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About Comparing Will Platforms

Less than half of Canadian adults have a will prepared, and according to surveys, 51-62% of Canadians lack the most important document.

But trying to compare wills has become much easier thanks to online platforms that make the process affordable and straightforward.

This article will take you through everything you need to know when comparing wills in Canada, from understanding different platform features to knowing when you need professional legal help.

Best

9.8

Est. Price

From $49.95

Est. Price of Updates

From $11.95

Types

5

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9.7

Est. Price

From $139

Est. Price of Updates

Free

Types

3

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9.5

Est. Price

From $129

Est. Price of Updates

Free

Types

4

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Why to use online will platforms

Wills that are drafted by traditional lawyers can cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $2,000, depending on the complexity of your estate.

That price tag keeps many Canadians from creating a will altogether. Online will platforms have changed this by offering legally valid wills for a fraction of the cost, usually ranging from $40 to $330.

Creating a will online takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you’ve made important decisions about your executor, beneficiaries, and guardians for minor children.

You answer some straightforward questions about your life and wishes, and the platform generates a customized will based on your answers. The platforms are built with input from experienced estate lawyers, ensuring the documents meet provincial requirements.

You’re accessing the same legal frameworks that lawyers use, just in a more accessible format.

How online will platforms work

Online wills are completely legal in Canada when properly executed. The technology doesn’t replace the legal requirements, it just makes it easier to meet those requirements.

Provincial requirements for a valid will

For a will to be legally valid anywhere in Canada, you must meet specific criteria. You need to be at least 18 years old in most provinces, though some allow younger people to create wills if they’re married or have children.

You must be of sound mind, understanding what you’re doing and the consequences of your decisions.

The will must be in writing and should clearly state how you want your assets distributed. You must sign it in the presence of two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries.

Both witnesses must then sign the will as well, confirming they watched you sign it. These witnesses need to be 18 or older and mentally competent.

British Columbia and Saskatchewan are currently the only Canadian province that allows fully electronic wills with digital signatures. Residents can sign their wills electronically using platforms like DocuSign, witness the signing over video calls, and store the will digitally.

The digitally signed document is considered the original, not a copy. In all other provinces, you must print your will and sign it with a physical pen, even if you created it online.

Online platforms vs traditional lawyer-drafted wills

If you want to leave your assets to your spouse and children, name guardians for minor kids, and designate an executor, online platforms handle this perfectly.

The questionnaires cover all standard scenarios and explain legal terms in plain language.

Lawyer-drafted wills cost more but provide personalized legal advice. A lawyer can handle complex situations like blended families, international assets, business succession planning, trust creation, or intentionally excluding family members.

Lawyers also offer guidance on tax implications and can represent you if your will is contested.

The main difference is customization versus convenience. Online platforms use templates that work for most Canadians. Lawyers create custom documents tailored to unique circumstances.

When you compare wills from different sources, consider whether your situation is straightforward or complex enough to justify the higher cost.

How to compare online will platforms

When you compare digital will services, several features determine which platform suits your needs best. You need to know what to look for to make the comparison process much simpler.

Supported documents

A complete estate plan includes Powers of Attorney for both financial and personal care decisions. These documents only take effect while you’re alive but incapacitated, whereas your will only takes effect after death.

A Power of Attorney for Property lets someone manage your finances if you can’t.

A Power of Attorney for Personal Care, also called a Healthcare Directive or Living Will, names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Some platforms bundle these documents together, while others sell them separately.

Check what’s included in each package. A basic package might only include the will itself. Mid-tier packages often add one or both Powers of Attorney.

Premium packages usually include all estate planning documents plus additional features like digital vaults or will registry access.

Platform availability by province/territory

Not all online platforms will operate in every Canadian province. Most platforms are available in English-speaking provinces but not in Quebec, which has different legal requirements under the Quebec Civil Code. Some platforms now offer Quebec-specific wills, though the options are more limited.

Since December 2021, British Columbia has allowed electronic signatures and video witnessing, which makes the process fully digital. Platforms like Willful offer this feature to BC residents, eliminating the need for printing, physical signatures, or in-person witnesses.

Territories like Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut often have fewer platform options. When you compare wills, verify the platform operates in your province or territory before starting the process. Using a platform not designed for your jurisdiction could create legal complications.

Pricing, update policy, digital vault / registration services

Pricing is different among the various platforms. Basic wills start around $40 to $100 per person. Couple’s packages range from $60 to $330. Comprehensive estate planning bundles with Powers of Attorney cost between $130 and $330.

The update policy matters more than you might think because life changes require will updates, whether you have a child, get divorced, move provinces, or your executor becomes unavailable.

Some platforms offer unlimited free updates for life. Others provide free updates for one year, then charge for subsequent changes. A few charge for every update after the initial creation.

You can use digital vaults to store encrypted copies of your documents online. Will registries like the Canada Will Registry let your executor find your will after you pass away. Many platforms include free registration, a $40 value on its own.

How top online will platforms compare

Three platforms dominate the Canadian online will market. Each has strengths and weaknesses that become clear when you compare them side by side.

9.5

Est. Price

From $129

Est. Price of Updates

Free

Types

4

Willful

Overview: Best will for online professionals. Willful is a Canadian online estate planning platform that collaborates with experienced estate lawyers across the country to create legally valid wills and other essential legal documents. While Willful itself is not a law firm and does not provide personalized legal advice, it ensures that its documents comply with provincial laws by using templated clauses developed by legal professionals.

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Willful Best For

Who it's for

Willful is best for individuals with straightforward estate planning needs, such as young adults, couples, and those with simple assets. It offers an affordable, easy-to-use online platform for creating legally valid wills and power of attorney documents, making it ideal for those who want a quick, low-cost solution.

Willful Features

Stand-out features

• User-Friendly Interface
• Comprehensive Document Options
• Customizable Inheritance Plans
• Free Unlimited Updates
• Charitable Giving Options

Who it's for

Willful is best for individuals with straightforward estate planning needs, such as young adults, couples, and those with simple assets. It offers an affordable, easy-to-use online platform for creating legally valid wills and power of attorney documents, making it ideal for those who want a quick, low-cost solution.

Stand-out features

• User-Friendly Interface
• Comprehensive Document Options
• Customizable Inheritance Plans
• Free Unlimited Updates
• Charitable Giving Options

Willful

Willful was launched in 2017 and quickly became popular for its user-friendly design. Individual wills cost $99, while the comprehensive couples plan with Powers of Attorney costs $329.

Willful’s standout feature is unlimited free updates for life, no matter how many times you need to revise your will. The platform is available in all provinces including Quebec and provides free access to both the Willful Will Registry and Canada Will Registry.

Willful holds the distinction of being the first online will platform accepted into the Law Society of Ontario’s Access to Innovation project.

The questionnaire takes about 20 minutes and explains every step clearly. Customer support is available via phone, email, and live chat. They work with estate lawyers in each province to ensure documents meet current legal requirements.

9.8

Est. Price

From $49.95

Est. Price of Updates

From $11.95

Types

5

Legal Wills Canada

Overview: Best wills for affordable pricing. Legal Wills is a trusted Canadian platform that simplifies estate planning by offering a comprehensive suite of legal documents and digital tools. With over 20 years in business, it has assisted more than 2 million Canadians in creating legally binding wills and related documents.

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Legal Wills Canada Best For

Who it's for

LegalWills.ca is best for Canadians looking for an affordable, convenient, and secure way to create a legal will without hiring a lawyer. It’s ideal for individuals with simple to moderate estate planning needs, including young adults making their first will, couples wanting joint or mirror wills, and families needing to name guardians for children.

Legal Wills Canada Features

Stand-out features

• Comprehensive Estate Planning
• User-Friendly Process
• Unlimited Updates for 1 Year
• Affordable Pricing
• Designate Keyholders
• Convenient Process

Who it's for

LegalWills.ca is best for Canadians looking for an affordable, convenient, and secure way to create a legal will without hiring a lawyer. It’s ideal for individuals with simple to moderate estate planning needs, including young adults making their first will, couples wanting joint or mirror wills, and families needing to name guardians for children.

Stand-out features

• Comprehensive Estate Planning
• User-Friendly Process
• Unlimited Updates for 1 Year
• Affordable Pricing
• Designate Keyholders
• Convenient Process

LegalWills

LegalWills has operated for over 20 years, making it the most established option. It’s the only platform available in all provinces and territories, including Quebec.

Pricing starts at $40 for a basic individual will and goes up to $200 for premium couples packages. LegalWills charges separately for each document, giving you flexibility to pick exactly what you need.

The platform offers unique features like expatriate wills for Canadians with assets in the US, UK, or India. You can also add MyVault for digital storage and MyKeyholders to share access with trusted contacts.

LegalWills provides one year of free updates, after which you pay for changes. The “Build Your Own” option gives more control over customization compared to other platforms.

9.7

Est. Price

From $139

Est. Price of Updates

Free

Types

3

Epilogue

Overview: Best wills for an optimal experience. Epilogue Wills is a Canadian online estate planning platform designed to simplify the process of creating legal wills and powers of attorney. Founded by two former estate lawyers, it offers an accessible, affordable, and legally sound alternative to traditional in-person legal services.

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Epilogue Best For

Who it's for

Epilogue Wills stands out as a modern, cost-effective solution for Canadians seeking to create a legally binding will and powers of attorney online. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and commitment to affordability, it is a strong choice for those with straightforward estate planning needs.

Epilogue Features

Stand-out features

• Fast and Fully Online Process
• Affordable Pricing with Free Updates
• Comprehensive Estate Planning Tools
• Near-Canada-Wide Availability
• Secure Document Storage and Will Registration

Who it's for

Epilogue Wills stands out as a modern, cost-effective solution for Canadians seeking to create a legally binding will and powers of attorney online. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and commitment to affordability, it is a strong choice for those with straightforward estate planning needs.

Stand-out features

• Fast and Fully Online Process
• Affordable Pricing with Free Updates
• Comprehensive Estate Planning Tools
• Near-Canada-Wide Availability
• Secure Document Storage and Will Registration

Epilogue

Epilogue was founded by two experienced estate lawyers, giving it credibility in the legal community. Individual wills cost $139, and the comprehensive couples plan with Powers of Attorney is $329.

Like Willful, Epilogue offers unlimited free updates for life. The platform is available in all English-speaking provinces but not Quebec.

Epilogue’s unique feature is the option to name RBC Royal Trust as your professional executor. You don’t need to be an RBC customer to use this service.

This matters if you don’t have a trusted individual to serve as executor or if your estate is complex enough to benefit from professional management. Epilogue also offers a free Social Media Will to handle your digital legacy.

When an online will platform isn’t enough

Online platforms work well for most Canadians, but certain situations require professional legal advice. Here are situations where you should consult a lawyer instead:

• International property ownership: If you own property outside Canada, you likely need separate wills for each jurisdiction. Tax implications and estate laws vary significantly between countries. A lawyer specializing in international estates can structure your holdings to minimize tax and ensure smooth asset transfer across borders.
• Blended families: These situations create complications that online platforms may not handle adequately. If you have children from multiple relationships and want to ensure specific assets go to specific children, or if you’re concerned about disputes between your current spouse and children from a previous marriage, lawyer guidance becomes crucial.
• Trust creation: Setting up trusts requires legal expertise. Whether you’re establishing a trust for a child with disabilities, managing assets for minor children, or creating a trust to reduce probate fees, these arrangements need precise legal language. Online platforms mention trusts but don’t create the complex trust documents themselves.
• Intentional exclusions: If you plan to intentionally exclude a spouse or child from your will, this increases the risk of legal challenges. A lawyer can structure your will to withstand potential contests and document your reasoning properly.
• Business succession planning: If you own a business and need succession planning, the complexities go beyond what online platforms address. Transferring business ownership requires specialized legal and tax guidance.
• Out-of-province or international executors: These executors face additional requirements. They might need to post a bond or deal with tax implications that could significantly reduce the estate’s value. A lawyer can help you understand these consequences and potentially restructure your plan.

How to choose an online will platform

Choosing and using an online will platform is straightforward when you break it down into manageable steps. This approach ensures you compare wills effectively and create legally valid documents.

Questions to ask, checklist before purchase

Before you commit to a platform, confirm it operates in your province or territory. Check whether the pricing includes all documents you need or if Powers of Attorney cost extra.

Ask about the update policy, find out if updates are free forever, free for a limited time, or always cost extra.

Verify what customer support channels are available and check whether the platform includes will registry access and whether there are storage options for your completed documents.

Review sample questions or take a demo if available. The questionnaire should be clear and explain legal terms without jargon.

Read customer reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot, not just testimonials on the company website. Look for complaints about customer service, hidden fees, or technical issues.

Make a list of your assets, including property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and valuable possessions. Identify who you want as your executor, backup executor, beneficiaries, and guardians for any minor children or pets.

Having this information ready before you start makes the process faster and ensures you don’t miss anything important.

How to execute, store, and update your will

After creating your will online, execution makes it legally binding. Print the document exactly as provided. Sign your will in front of two witnesses who meet the legal requirements.

All three of you should be present at the same time. You sign first while they watch, then they sign while you watch.

In British Columbia, if using a platform with electronic signing, you can sign digitally using approved software like DocuSign. Your witnesses can observe via video call, watching you sign on their screens.

The electronically signed document becomes your original will. If you print it later, that’s considered a copy.

A fireproof safe at home works well to store your will safely. Many Canadians also give a copy to their executor and tell trusted family members where to find the original.

Never store your only copy in a safe deposit box that requires a court order to open after your death.

Register your will location with the Canada Will Registry. This costs about $40 if you do it yourself, but many platforms include free registration. Registration doesn’t store your actual will, it just records that you have one and where it’s located. This helps your executor find it when needed.

Update your will whenever major life events occur. Marriage, divorce, having children, or moving to a different province all require updates.

Common mistakes and pitfalls

Even when using online platforms, Canadians make avoidable mistakes that can invalidate their wills or create legal complications. Understanding these pitfalls helps you avoid them:

• Creating a will but never signing it: An unsigned will has no legal effect whatsoever. And when you die, the provincial government decides what happens to your assets, not you.
• Signing without proper witnesses: Both witnesses must be present when you sign, and you must be present when they sign. If one witness is a beneficiary or married to a beneficiary, most provinces will revoke that person’s inheritance, though the rest of the will may remain valid.
• Using the wrong province’s laws: If you used an Ontario-specific platform but you actually live in British Columbia, the will might not meet BC requirements. Always verify that the platform creates wills specifically for your province.
• Making handwritten changes after signing: If you need to make changes, create a new will or a codicil through your online platform. Never cross things out or write in the margins of a signed will.
• Not telling anyone about your will: Your executor needs to know the will exists and where to find it. If nobody knows about it, your family might spend money on lawyers to search for a will or proceed as if you died without one.
• Forgetting to update after major life changes: If you named your ex-spouse as executor or beneficiary and never updated the will after divorce, they might still receive your estate. In some provinces, divorce automatically revokes gifts to former spouses, but not all provinces handle this the same way.