Where is the best place for Canadians to create a will online?  While it may not be the conversation you most want to have, planning for your death and what comes after it, is a critical step that all Canadian adults need to take. According to RBC Wealth Management, less than half of us have a last will and testament, so don't be a statistic. You may not have your will at the forefront of your mind, but leaving the courts and legislation to decide the fate of your estate isn't something you really want either.
Believing that everyone should have a will, Toronto-based Epilogue was started by estate lawyers who wanted to help others protect their loved ones. The company is available for Canadians in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. They're trusted by thousands of Canadians since their launch in 2019.
They'll tell you upfront if they're not the right fit
Boasting a process that's "simple, affordable, and light on the legal jargon," Epilogue makes it easy to create your last will and testament online quickly. There's a quick quiz to make sure an online will is the right method for you. Just answer yes or no to the basic questions. If at any time you have a situation they can't provide for, they'll direct you to seek another option. We love that they are direct and don't waste your time. First, they ask you to share your wishes, then you can generate your will and get it signed to make it legally binding - that's it.
Basic will package or add on other legal documents
Completing your will at Epilogue starts at $139. The individual "will only" package provides a custom will, detailed signing instructions, a place to express funeral and other final wishes, notifications to executors, a record of assets and key contacts, a social media will, a code for the Canada will registry, and free lifetime updates. The same package for a couple costs $269. To add on power of attorney for finance and health care, select the next package, which costs $199 or $329. When we visited there was a banner coupon code for $20 off, so look for that when you check them out. We also liked that they allow you to preview your documents prior to paying for them, and they offer flexible payment options.
Speedy process that guides you to the right choice
To make a last will and testament on Epilogue, you need only 20 minutes. Click on "Start my will" and begin answering the questions. If they determine you qualify for their product, they will prompt you to create an account. If you select a territory they don't service or a more complicated situation than their simple online will can adequately address, they won't waste your time. If you get through the questions without being redirected, Epilogue comes out and states they can create a basic will and what that means will happen to your assets. For those who want a different distribution, they recommend contacting an attorney.
Your information is secure here
To protect your privacy, Epilogue says all sessions are encrypted. Data is stored in highly secure methods with backup in a Virtual Private Cloud. They use RSA/SHA-256 encryption to transfer data.
No legal advice, but plenty to help you understand the process
While Epilogue makes it clear that they don't provide legal advice, they do feature the Epilogue Learn Centre on their website to help anyone who wants to understand the basics about wills, powers of attorney, and other estate planning topics. The language is friendly and easy to understand.
Customer service can be scheduled
If you need help at any point, Epilogue says they have real people on their team to guide you through the process or answer questions. You can request help via a form or chat box, or even schedule a 15-minute customer call. While it might be more convenient to just call when you have a question, we appreciate the dedicated time and reduced on-hold time this process offers.
Excellent reviews though no BBB listing
Though we were unable to find a listing for Epilogue on the BBB, their online reputation is excellent. From a couple of online review platforms featuring a combined nearly 500 reviews, they have garnered an average of 4.7 to 4.8 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews rave "the online process is meant for a layperson like myself" and "such an easy, stress-free way to prepare a will." Those who are seeking to create a basic will for themselves were satisfied with their experience.
Worthy option for simple will creation
Epilogue provides what you need to create a basic will online quickly and efficiently. Their cost is slightly more than the previous option, and they have no BBB presence, which places them just a little lower on our list, while still offering a worthy option for Canadians who want to create a last will and testament online.
Continued from above...
While it may not be the conversation you most want to have, planning for your death and what comes after it, is a critical step that all Canadian adults need to take. According to RBC Wealth Management, less than half of us have a last will and testament, so don't be a statistic. You may not have your will at the forefront of your mind, but leaving the courts and legislation to decide the fate of your estate isn't something you really want either.
Even those who are single without children should consider making a will so their hard-earned assets don't end up with the government instead of a friend or relative. Though it seems like this is a difficult process and only for those with significant assets, wills are important for all adults, providing peace of mind so that your final wishes are heard.
A common misconception is that you need a lawyer to create a will, or at least a notary public. However, it truly just needs to be a written document signed in the presence of witnesses who aren't beneficiaries. This makes things much easier - and potentially much more affordable - for people to create their last will and testament. While lawyers are helpful in preparing such documents, their services are not a legal requirement to crafting a will. The rise of online will services has made obtaining a legal will even easier for those without legal knowledge. If your wishes are straightforward, this process is significantly cheaper - even free, perhaps - and faster than using a law firm.
To create your online will, it's recommended that you gather details about family members and be prepared to make decisions about who you trust to appoint as executor of your estate (manage your affairs) or guardian to your minor children or pets. Then think about how you want to distribute your assets (who gets what after you pass). That's the basics. These online services will guide you through the questions, most allowing you to pause and save your work so you can return as you gather what you need or make decisions. If you're afraid of missing something, don't worry - these platforms are designed to ask all of the questions so you don't have to be an expert. Some of them will even offer explanations along the way so you're not lost in a sea of legal jargon.
Online wills can be made for a fraction of the cost of seeing an estate lawyer, an unnecessary step for most simple wills anyway. The convenience of creating the will at home, at work, or on the go cannot be overlooked since you don't have to waste time making an appointment, dealing with traffic, waiting for the professional to see you, and other time-consuming details. The time involved in the online will-making process is significantly shorter as well, just taking minutes to complete the questionnaire and be ready to download and sign. You could even do it on your lunch break. The simplicity involved in the online will process means no adult has a valid excuse for being without a will.
There are many factors to consider when comparing online will creation services in Canada. Here are the top ones on our list:
Creating a will doesn't have to be a burden any longer. At Top Consumer Reviews, we have done the work for you, looking at the best Canadian will creation services to assist you in making a choice for directing your final wishes so you can get on with the business of living.
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