⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
Choosing a Will Service in Canada
In Canada you can make a will with a lawyer, an online will maker or a will kit. Rules differ by province (Quebec uses notarial and holograph wills, for example), so this guide compares the routes and links you to provincial requirements.
Four routes to writing your will
Canadian wills must meet the rules of your province or territory, whichever route you choose. The routes differ mainly in cost and the amount of advice included.
A lawyer or notary
A lawyer (or a notary in Quebec) can prepare a tailored will and advise on provincial law, probate and taxes. This route suits complex estates, blended families or business interests, and usually costs the most.
Highest cost · Tailored legal advice
A trust company or will service
Some trust companies and specialist services prepare wills, often alongside estate administration. Check qualifications, fees and exactly what the service covers before you commit.
Mid-range cost · Focused on estates
An online will maker
An online will maker asks structured questions and produces a will you print, sign and witness under your province’s rules. It can suit straightforward estates and typically costs less than a lawyer.
Lower cost · Structured, self-guided
A will kit
A printable or shop-bought will kit is the cheapest route but offers no prompts or checks. Errors in wording or witnessing can invalidate a Canadian will, so this route carries the highest risk of errors.
Lowest cost · Highest risk of errors
How to choose the right route for you
There is no single “best” way to write a will. The right route depends on your circumstances. A few questions can help you weigh the options. If your situation is at all complex, it may be worth consulting a qualified professional before you decide.
- How straightforward your estate is. A modest estate with clear wishes needs less than one with business interests, trusts or assets in more than one country.
- Whether you need advice as well as a document. Some routes produce a will only, while others include professional guidance on tax and structure.
- The provider’s credentials: qualifications, regulation, professional-body membership and how complaints are handled.
- Total cost and what it covers. A low headline price may exclude storage, future updates or advice you later need.
- How the will is signed and witnessed. Every route still requires the formal signing and witnessing rules to be followed for the will to be valid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Canada?
No. A Canadian will is valid whichever route you use, provided it meets your province or territory’s signing and witnessing rules. A lawyer (or a notary in Quebec) may be worth the extra cost for complex estates, blended families or business interests. If in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional.
Is an online will legal in Canada?
A will made with an online will maker can be just as valid as one prepared by a lawyer, provided it is printed, signed and witnessed in line with your province’s requirements. The difference lies in the level of tailored advice, not the validity of the document.
What is different about wills in Quebec?
Quebec recognises will forms that differ from the rest of Canada, including notarial wills prepared by a notary and holograph wills written entirely by hand. If you live in Quebec, it may be worth confirming your chosen route with a local professional.
How much does a will cost in Canada?
Costs vary by province and route: will kits are cheapest, online will makers sit in the middle, and lawyer-drafted wills tend to cost the most. Compare what each price includes, such as updates or advice, before you decide.
Ready to make a start?
Whichever route you choose, the important thing is to have a valid, up-to-date will in place. You can begin online with structured prompts, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
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