Free Estate Planning Resources for Canadians

Created with Canadian estate lawyers. A centralized library of free tools, guides, and educational content to help Canadians plan with confidence.

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Free planning tools

Calculators, quizzes, and assessments

Guides & checklists

Downloadable resources you can use anytime

Educational articles

Learn the basics and beyond

Embeddable resources

Tools for partners, creators, and educators

Downloadable guides & checklists

Free, printable resources you can download and use anytime.

Estate Planning Starter Guide

Guide PDF • Printable
A practical introduction to estate planning, covering wills, powers of attorney, and what to consider as you get started.
Download for free  →

Executor Duties Checklist

Checklist PDF
A clear checklist outlining the responsibilities of an executor and what to expect when settling an estate.
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Guide to Preparing your Essentials Document Folder

Guide PDF
A comprehensive list of the important documents to keep safe for emergencies.
Download for free  →

Financial Checklist for New Parents

Checklist PDF
A checklist to help new or expecting parents check off important financial to-dos.
Download for free  →

Funeral Planning Checklist

Checklist PDF
A helpful guide to support executors and family members throughout the funeral planning process.
Download for free  →

Financial Planning for Divorce

Checklist PDF
This step-by-step guide helps navigate some of the financial aspects of preparing for divorce.
Download for free  →

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Created with Canadian estate lawyers
Reviewed regularly to stay up to date
Written in clear, jargon-free language
Free for Canadians to use
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Articles & educational content

Explore educational articles and guides that explain estate planning concepts, answer common questions, and help you make informed decisions.

Wills & powers of attorney
Beneficiaries
Planning for life events

The Importance of a Will

Wills and estate planning may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually a lot simpler than most people think.
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What Is An Executor Of A Will?

An executor of an estate is the person who will help execute the wishes outlined in your will, distribute funds to your beneficiaries, and can act on behalf of your business and financial interests when you die.
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How To Choose A Guardian For Your Children

Naming a guardian for your children is one of the most important things a parent can do.
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What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A POA is a legal document authorizing someone to make healthcare, financial and legal decisions on your behalf.
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Who can Witness a Will?

Think about two people who are accessible to you, such as a neighbour, a colleague or a family member that lives nearby.
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What is Probate?

Probate verifies a will’s validity and grants authority to executors.
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Beneficiary Basics

The beneficiary or beneficiaries outlined in your will are the individuals who you choose to pass on your property or belongings to when you are no longer living.
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What is a Legacy Gift in a Will?

A legacy gift is a gift to a charity or non-profit organization in your last will and testament.
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What is a Contingent Beneficiary?

Learn what happens if a beneficiary passes away, cannot be located, or does not want to receive the inheritance.
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How to Plan for Pets in Your Will

If you have a pet, here’s what you need to do to make sure they’re cared for if something happens to you.
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Being Named As A Guardian In A Will

We’ll cover all the basics of guardianship and what you need to know about the role.
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Guide to Wills and Estate Planning For New Parents

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about estate planning for new parents.
Read more  →

Estate Planning for Newlyweds in Canada

Learn why estate planning is so important, how wills for newlyweds work, and how to avoid common mistakes when you do.
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How to Divide an Estate Between Siblings

Tips and tricks on how to set up a fair distribution of assets, including large assets such as a house or cars, among siblings.
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Is Your Common Law Partner Entitled to Inheritance?

Learn about common law partners and inheritance rights, and how your will can affect how your assets are distributed.
Read more  →

Frequently asked questions

Can I use these tools even if I don’t have a 
Willful account?

Yes. Anyone can use our checklists and guides, you don’t need a Willful account to access or benefit from them.

Are Willful's resources created by experts?

Willful’s resources are created by our in-house team and reviewed by experts who are certified in estate and trust administration. In some cases, we also collaborate with trusted partners to help ensure accuracy and relevance for Canadians.

Are these checklists and guides legally binding?

No. These tools are meant to help you learn and get organized, but they are not legal documents. They’re designed to support your planning, not replace a legally-valid will or other formal paperwork.

Do these tools apply to all Canadian provinces?

We’ll always specify whether a resource is Canada-wide or tailored to a specific province. Estate planning rules vary by region, so we make it clear when something is province-specific.

Do I need a will to use these resources?

No. These tools are helpful whether you already have a will, are planning to create one soon, or are just starting to learn about estate planning.

Do I need to sign up to access the downloads?

No. You can download and use these resources freely, no signup or Willful account required.

Disclaimer

Willful resources are for general educational purposes only and are not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, we recommend speaking with a qualified lawyer or professional.