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Planning for the inevitable isn't exactly a dinner table conversation starter, but creating a will is a critical step in securing your legacy. Let's face it, none of us relish the thought of sorting out our assets posthumously. Leaving this to chance, however, means that legislation and the courts take the reins, deciding who inherits your estate and how much they receive.
In the absence of heirs, your hard-earned assets might even end up in the hands of the government. Not exactly the legacy you'd want, right? The good news is that creating a will is more straightforward than you might imagine, and the peace of mind it provides is immeasurable. So, buckle up, and let's explore why it's time to make your will a priority.
Thursday, March 20th
Founded by attorneys 20 years ago, CanadaWills has assisted in creating hundreds of thousands of legal wills, and Canadians still trust their services today. Let's explore why CanadaWills might just be the right choice for your will-making journey.
Website is easy to use
First impressions matter, and CanadaWills nails it with a straightforward and uncluttered website. No legal expertise needed to navigate here: they keep it clean and simple. Plus, they respect your privacy by not storing wills on their servers, offering a secure (and ad-free) experience.
No fees for any service here
The best part of this service? It's free. No credit card info is required during the will creation process, and no sneaky billing attempts later. This extends to other documents you can create here, like a living will, power of attorney, or advance directive, and there's also a free End-of-Life planning kit you can use to walk through various aspects of your decision-making. CanadaWills relies on donations to keep the lights on and the services fee-free. If you're feeling generous and want to support the cause, you can contribute directly on their website. A win-win for simplicity and affordability.
Takes just a few minutes
Ready to get started? Before diving into will creation, you'll agree to CanadaWills' Terms of Use. It's standard stuff - electronic delivery, acknowledgment of assets, and the usual legal disclaimers. From there, CanadaWills guides you through a step-by-step process, walking you through questions about your wishes (executor choice, whether or not you want to make specific gifts of cash or property, and so on). If you've got your details in order, it'll only take a few minutes to complete your entire will.
Uncompromised security
As an extra layer of security, CanadaWills doesn't store your will (or other documents) on their servers. Instead, it will be emailed to you as a PDF that you can print and save as you wish.
You (don't) get what you (don't) pay for
Of course, as a completely free-to-use service, CanadaWills isn't going to have all of the bells and whistles you usually find with a paid will creation platform. There are no lawyers you can consult here, no toll-free number you can call to ask any questions you may have, you get the idea. In fact, as you read through the T&C, you'll see that CanadaWills very clearly recommends that you obtain legal advice prior to signing the will you create on their site. That's just smart all around, and it isn't any indication that there will be something wrong with the will you use here.
Not a lot of feedback, but not a cause for concern
There's also not much feedback to be found from Canadians who have used this service, positive or negative. We didn't spot a listing with the Better Business Bureau or any reviews on Trustpilot. No news is good news! And besides, what's there to complain about when CanadaWills is 100% free?
Free will creation with no catch
CanadaWills understands the importance of will-making and has made it simple and affordable. While you won't have a lawyer reviewing your work, that might not be necessary for most uncomplicated situations. As a free option, CanadaWills stands as a fantastic starting place for Canadians venturing into will creation and continues to earn our #1 ranking.
Legal Wills Canada, operating as a part of the Parting Wishes family of companies., offers a comprehensive suite of legal documents for end-of-life planning, backed by over 20 years of experience and trusted by more than 2 million Canadians. And, unlike most of the services on our list, Legal Wills Canada is available no matter which province or territory you call home. We love that!
Broad range of documents and packages
No matter what you need for your planning, chances are good that Legal Wills Canada has something that works. They offer a la carte documents ranging from simple Last Wills and Testaments to comprehensive packages that include Power of Attorney, Living Will, and much more. You can also choose from one of their packages or build your own, and don't forget to toggle the switch to show options for couples if that applies to you.
Lots of features for a low price
Whatever you choose, nothing at Legal Wills Canada is going to break the bank. For example, a basic will is priced at just $49.95 for an individual and $79.95 for couples. But don't think that means that you're going to receive a bare-bones service. Look at everything that's include for that "basic” price:
Unlimited updates for the first year
Be aware, though, that access to unlimited updates will cost extra after the first year you get as part of your package. You can opt for 1, 5, 10, or 25 years, or jump straight to lifetime access if you prefer. You'll find those fees clearly spelled out at the bottom of the page (for reference, the highest cost is $199.95 for lifetime access for two people), and you'll never be charged automatically for a renewal when selecting anything shorter than lifetime access.
Full-featured package for couples for under $200
On the opposite end of the spectrum, even Legal Wills Canada's highest-end package (the Premium Estate Plan for Couples) is still just $199.95. It gives you all of the features we listed for the basic Will and Testament, as well as the following:
Ample educational resources and live support
Not quite sure what you need, or confused about what some will-related terms mean? Jump over to Legal Wills Canada's Education Centre. It breaks down the topics by Wills, Executors & Probate, Power of Attorney, Signing, After Signing, and General Questions. Browse as you like or search for articles related to your question. And, if you're still not sure, Legal Wills Canada offers free support via phone, live chat or email.
Thousands of five-star reviews
Everywhere you look, people offer high praise for the services of Legal Wills Canada, starting with an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and moving on to thousands of five-star reviews left on Trustpilot, Google, and even Facebook. Clients describe getting quick help whenever they needed it, complimented the straightforward and easy-to-use online process of filling out their wills and other related documents, and were particularly enthusiastic about the value offered for what they paid.
Earns our highest recommendation
All of this combines to earn Legal Wills Canada one of our highest ratings. While we've put another service in the first-place spot on our list (because, as a free platform, that one removes literally every obstacle someone could have for not creating a will), Legal Wills Canada is still an excellent choice for affordable estate planning documents.
For a modern take on will creation in Canada, try Epilogue. Begun by lawyers Daniel Goldgut and Arin Klug, this service is aimed at simplifying the will-making process for Canadians, while including features you won't find elsewhere (like what you want done with your social media profiles after you pass away). The website is not just aesthetically pleasing, but also user-friendly - making the entire experience even somewhat enjoyable. Just answer a few questions online and Epilogue will auto-generate your custom will, providing all of the signing instructions you need to make it legally binding where you live.
Two document packages
To get started, you'll first need to decide which of Epilogue's services you need: Will Only or Will + Incapacity Documents. Whichever one you choose, you'll get the following features:
Upgrade if you need more documents (or couples' pricing)
If you select the package that includes Incapacity Documents, these will allow you to name someone to make your healthcare decisions and/or handle your finances in the event that you become unable to do so. Need services for a couple? Toggle that switch at the top of the pricing page.
Affordably priced
How about the pricing, then? At the time of our most recent evaluation, Epilogue was charging $139 for the Will Only package and $199 for the Will + Incapacity Documents package. For couples, those fees were $269 and $329, respectively.
Free to create a social media will
And, by the way, if you want to get a taste for how Epilogue works at no charge, they give you their social media will creation service for free. We like the way they put it: "Everyone needs a social media will to protect their social afterlife.” Have you ever given any thought to how you want your Facebook, Instagram, or X profile to live on after you pass (if you want it to be kept at all)? Epilogue will walk you through some of those important questions, so that you can let your loved ones know "how you want to live on (or log off)”.
Available to almost all Canadians
The only slight catch? Epilogue is available throughout most, but not all, of Canada. If you live in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, you're eligible to become an Epilogue client. That list is slightly longer than Epilogue's next closest competitor in our review.
Glowing praise from happy customers
Other than that, there's no reason not to give Epilogue a try. We found several hundred 4- and 5-star reviews from very happy clients. We particularly appreciated one reviewer who said that the platform "made ‘adulting' a convenient experience”. While a few people said they were disappointed that Epilogue couldn't handle their more complex estate needs, the vast majority of people who come to this platform for simple wills and related documents (like power of attorney) are thrilled with the value of Epilogue's services.
Give Epilogue a try
With user-friendly features, affordable pricing for both individuals and couples, and a unique focus on digital legacies, this platform stands out as a highly recommended option for Canadians seeking a hassle-free will creation experience. They absolutely earn your consideration when it comes time to making your will.
Thinking about finally getting your will sorted? Willful has you covered. Co-founded by Kevin Oulds and Erin Bury, their mission is to simplify end-of-life planning for Canadians, making it affordable, easy, and stress-free. Oulds himself sees Willful as the tool he wished he had during an unexpected loss in his family. So, what makes Willful stand out?
3 tiers of service
Willful offers three plans catering to different needs and budgets, all backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee:
Patience may get you a discount
It's worth your time to browse the Willful site for a while, maybe even visiting and returning later: when we did that, we eventually got a pop-up discount offer of a 10% savings if we provided our email address.
Check out the Learn Centre
Speaking of browsing, don't miss out on the resources in Willful's Learn Centre. Do you know the difference between a Living Trust and a Will? Are you familiar with the responsibilities and duties of an executor? This is all available for free, even without using Willful to create your documents. It's a super way to get yourself well-informed before (or during) the process of making your will.
Stellar reputation
And reputation? Willful shines, with an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, without a single complaint filed there over the last three years. Beyond that, looking at reviews on Trustpilot, you'll see that Canadians absolutely love this service. Over 90% of Willful's 1000+ reviewers give the company a 4- or 5-star rating. People describe the process as fast and uncomplicated, with many saying that this platform made it a breeze to finally take "make a will” off their much-procrastinated to-do list. Even for the small handful that described concerns, Willful's response was prompt and the clients wound up very satisfied with how helpful the support reps were.
Not available everywhere yet
So, with all that being said, you might be wondering why Willful isn't at the top of our list. The answer? Availability. Over the years we've evaluated Willful, they still haven't expanded out of their original service area of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. While that covers a significant percentage of Canadians, there are still some notable exclusions (like Quebec) that you'll find covered by other will-creation services in the country.
Definitely worth the money
Aside from that, though, Willful isn't just a recommended option; it's highly recommended. With notable features, an "A+” BBB rating, and hundreds of positive customer reviews, it stands out in the will creation marketplace. Featured by major outlets like CBC News and The Globe and Mail, Willful is the go-to choice for many Canadians. If you're in a province where Willful operates, there's really no reason not to trust them with creating your will.
Vexxit is a Canada-based company designed to connect individuals with various professional services, including legal and accounting. The platform aims to make it easier for users to find and connect with the right professionals to address their specific needs.
Work directly with a lawyer
And yes, that includes creating a will. But if you're looking for a bargain-basement, do-it-yourself setup, Vexxit is the opposite of that: all of the estate planning processes here include the active participation of a lawyer, and you should expect to pay accordingly. You could start with an hour-long consultation to discuss your situation and determine the best course of action (like wills vs. living trusts and other estate planning); this is priced at $199. Or, if you already know you just need a simple will, Vexxit comes in at $479 for a simple individual will and $689 for a couple's will.
Lots of document options and pricing for couples
There are many other related documents available through Vexxit lawyers, from Power of Attorney to Personal Directive. If you anticipate needing a more well-rounded suite of estate planning documents, be sure to check out Vexxit's packages. For example, for $1495, you can get a simple couple will and a Power of Attorney for each of you.
Verify your email to create an account
So, how do you get started? You can either book a consultation if you're not sure, or jump right to the "Buy Now” button on the will or package you need. The site defaults to Ontario but can attempt to match you with lawyers in all provinces and territories: just change the province (if necessary) on the screen that pops up next. You'll then create a client account; be aware that email verification is required to continue, so no fakes allowed. Side note: this takes you all the way back to the main Vexxit page, so you'll have to choose the will or package again to keep going. Annoying!
Get matched with a lawyer that fits your personality
Now that that's taken care of, you'll answer a series of questions that help Vexxit match you with one of their carefully-vetted professionals. Do you want to use a language besides English as you work on your will? Do you prefer to communicate via message, voice, or video? It gets even more personal than that: introvert or extrovert? Personal values? What do you value in a professional? It starts to feel a bit more like a dating app, but kudos to Vexxit for understanding that it's important to have a good connection with the person who's helping you create your estate planning documents.
There may not be a match, depending on where you live
While Vexxit is open to Canadians in all provinces and territories, they may not have a match for you, depending on the product you selected. For example, when we chose the Asset Protection Package for Couples and entered Nunavut as the territory, Vexxit came up empty (which wasn't a huge surprise). For Alberta, however, we had several professionals to choose from. Here's a tip: it may look like you're only being given three lawyers to consider, but look for the "Swap Pro” button to shuffle the deck a bit, so to speak.
"Shop around” and choose the professional you prefer
Interested? You can view the full profile of any professional that gets your attention. That profile will tell you the lawyer's pronouns (if specified), location, areas of practice, number of years practising, education, and languages spoken. Then, when you've selected the lawyer you feel comfortable with, purchase your will or package and you're ready to go. You'll work closely with the lawyer you've selected, with no surprise add-on costs in the process (unless you decide you want to upgrade to a package after consulting with him or her). You get unlimited revisions during the process, up to the point where you accept your will as complete and the lawyer notifies Vexxit of the project's completion.
Lawyers are vetted and evaluated
Vexxit lawyers are all carefully vetted, from being licensed to practice in Canada to their work history and references. The platform also monitors the performance of every professional, collecting feedback from clients and making sure their work meets Vexxit's quality standards.
No negative feedback
That's probably why Vexxit earns an "A+” grade from the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed. There's not a ton of feedback out there for this company, particularly with respect to will creation, but what we do see is almost always enthusiastically positive. Clients are especially grateful for the transparency in pricing: what you see is what you get.
Great option if you want hands-on help from a lawyer
We've awarded Vexxit a high rating among options for creating wills in Canada. It's definitely more costly than some of the services we evaluated, but with good reason: you'll work directly with a lawyer, eliminating any worries you may have about your will being valid or not doing what you expected it to do after you pass away. And, it's almost certain to be less expensive than working with a law office near you. If you can afford to spend a little extra and you like the peace of mind of not taking a totally do-it-yourself approach, Vexxit is a fantastic choice for Canadian wills.
LawDepot positions itself as a provider of online will services in Canada, offering a range of legal documents, forms, and contracts for users to customize. Unlike some competitors, LawDepot boasts an extensive library of hundreds of legal documents, making it a one-stop shop if you have a variety of needs (which could be personal or professional).
Lots of info to help you understand wills
There's a wealth of information on the LawDepot site, both prior to and during the will creation process. Take some time to read through what's available before starting your document; it'll help you have a clearer understanding of what will be asked and why as you draft your will. But, if there's anything you're not sure about as you answer LawDepot's questions, you'll typically find helpful suggestions on each page of the form, and you can always select "skip this step for now” and come back to it later.
Not free after the first 7 days
While there's technically no cost to creating a will here, LawDepot will require you to set up an account if you want to save your documents and refer back to them. That account will be free for the first 7 days; after that, your membership will automatically convert to the $39/month plan unless you either cancel altogether or purchase a 1-year membership for $95.88. Depending on the document(s) you create, you may be able to purchase a la carte access; typically, LawDepot's fees range from $7.50 to $49 per document.
Various types of help available
Need some help? You can reach out to LawDepot via live chat, email, or toll-free number to ask any questions you may have. But, if you need legal advice before, during, or after you create your will, look for the "talk to a lawyer” button at the bottom of the site. It will require a separate membership, but especially if you're looking to use LawDepot for a variety of situations (not just will-writing but maybe real estate, business, or other personal needs), it could be worth the membership. But, LawDepot doesn't come out and tell you what you'll pay, and when you send your message to the "lawyer's assistant”, it becomes obvious very quickly that it's a bot you're "connected with” initially.
Strong reputation overall
Reputation isn't an issue for LawDepot: they've got an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and not too many complaints. That's always reassuring.
Not enough focus on creating wills
But, LawDepot just isn't focused on will creation, and it shows. We can recommend it if you're looking for a multi-purpose service that can help you create documents for a wide variety of situations, and there's no reason you couldn't give it a try for 7 days. But, compared with most of the services on our list that specialize in helping Canadians create their wills and other estate planning documents, LawDepot just doesn't "wow” us in any way. We give this company a "just average” rating overall.
So, you've decided it's time to take the plunge into the world of online legal wills, and you've stumbled upon FormalWill, self-proclaimed Canada's leader in the game. Founded by a Canadian lawyer, it touts itself as the go-to platform for those seeking an affordable, legally-binding will crafted from the comfort of their homes. Intriguing, right? Well, let's break down the pros and cons of this online service, so you can make an informed decision on whether FormalWill is the right fit for your will-making journey.
Simple online process
The process of creating your documents through FormalWill is extremely straightforward: fill out the online form by answering the questions, watch the progress bar move along as you go from page to page, and you're done. While we think it would be helpful if the interface let users move freely from one section to the next (maybe you're not quite ready to list out your bequests but you want to get your beneficiaries entered), it's not a total dealbreaker.
Under $80 for a basic will
Let's talk money. The cost of creating your will on FormalWill is a wallet-friendly $79, tax included. Compared to some competitors, this is a reasonable price tag for ensuring your assets are distributed as per your wishes.
Other estate-related documents available too
Beyond a traditional will, this service offers several other options which include a Power of Attorney ($59), Healthcare Power of Attorney (AKA Living Will, $59), and even a Pet Will ($49). You'll see all of those products featured on the main Wills page at FormalWill.
Lawyer reviews for an additional fee
Worried about the legal nitty-gritty? Check out FormalWill's Knowledge Centre to show you around a little. Want to be extra-sure your will meets all of the requirements where you live? For an additional fee of $249, you can have a lawyer review your paperwork. It's a handy option if you want that extra layer of assurance that your document aligns with the legal standards of your province. The same goes for having a review of your Power of Attorney or Living Will ($149 each).
Pay attention to the extra costs
Brace yourself for the fine print that you'll only discover at checkout: making changes to your will comes at a cost here. For $19.99, you get the ability to tweak your document as much as you like within two years. If you prefer unlimited modifications over a three-year period, be prepared to shell out $24.99.
Is anyone home?
Where FormalWill really leaves us hanging is reputation. In our previous evaluation, we noted that the Better Business Bureau listed the service as not having enough information to issue a rating. Okay, that's fine, maybe we just need to give it some time. Or not. Even the BBB wonders if FormalWill is out of business, with an alert saying that the mail they attempted to send to the company's registered address came back as "undeliverable”. Granted, we found a different address on the FormalWill website, but that came back as a lawyer's office and not specifically FormalWill's. And, when we called the toll-free number during standard business hours, we went through several prompts, waited a few minutes "for the next available representative”, only to be put in the "please leave a message” general voicemail box.
Don't waste your time here
None of this exactly screams "top Canadian service for creating wills”, does it? We've moved FormalWill down a notch in our ratings: it's not fraudulent, necessarily, but it certainly doesn't have the level of professionalism you'll find with our higher-ranking options (like modern websites, clear pricing prior to the checkout page, and, you know, representatives who actually answer the phone when you call them). We'd say that FormalWill is one to skip.
The stumbling block for many is the uncertainty of where to start. The mystique around legal documents, coupled with the fear of complexity and cost, often leads people to procrastinate on this crucial task. The days of wrestling with schedules to consult pricey lawyers are behind us. Thanks to advancements in online legal services, the process has become more accessible than ever. Why not embrace this hassle-free approach to creating your will?
Online will services have emerged as a game-changer, simplifying the process and making it user-friendly. No need to navigate the labyrinth of legal jargon alone - these services guide you through a step-by-step process, demystifying each section and explaining the significance of the information required. Concerned about missing an essential step? No need to worry, because these platforms ensure that you leave no stone unturned.
One of the most significant advantages of utilizing online will services is the convenience of remote access to legal professionals. These experts not only verify that your documents meet Canada's legal requirements but also serve as your virtual guide, answering questions and providing assistance whenever needed. With some services even offering round-the-clock access to customer service agents, you can embark on this journey with confidence, knowing that support is just a message or call away.
As you start exploring your options among online Canadian will services, there are a few key considerations to bear in mind:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we've done the legwork to rank the best online legal services for creating a will in Canada. Our aim is to equip you with the information you need to navigate this essential task confidently. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we hope this guide empowers you to take charge of your legacy. After all, planning for the future doesn't have to be intimidating - it just requires the right tools and a bit of guidance.
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