Will Planning Center
Everything you need to know about preparing your legacy, understanding the jargon, and finding the right legal help in Canada.
Start Here: The KindFlare Will Drafter
Don't know where to start? Our free tool helps you "get the juices flowing" before you pay a professional.
Answer Questions
Simple prompts about your family, pets, and assets. Takes ~15 minutes.
Generate Draft
We compile your thoughts into a structured PDF summary.
Take to Lawyer
Save time (and billable hours) by walking in prepared.
*Produces a non-binding summary for preparation purposes only.
Learn the Lingo
Legal documents are full of confusing words. Here is what they actually mean in plain English.
Testator
The person making the will (that's you!).
Executor
The person you choose to carry out the instructions in your will and pay your debts.
Beneficiary
Anyone who receives money, property, or specific gifts from your estate.
Guardian
The person nominated to care for your minor children if both parents pass away.
Intestate
Dying without a will. This means the government decides who gets your stuff, not you.
Codicil
A document that amends (changes) an existing will without rewriting the whole thing.
Power of Attorney (POA)
A separate document. While a Will handles things after you die, a POA appoints someone to make financial or medical decisions if you are alive but unable to do so.
Ways to Create a Will
Employment / Estate Lawyer
$400 - $1,500+The gold standard. Essential if you have a blended family, own a business, have a child with a disability (Henson Trust), or have assets abroad.
- Full liability protection
- Custom legal advice
Online Will Platform
$80 - $250Perfect for 80% of Canadians. If you have a straightforward estate (married, kids, house), these platforms are legally binding and easy.
- Instant updates
- Guided process
DIY Will Kit
$20 - $40Paper forms bought at a stationery store. They are cheap but prone to user error (e.g., vague wording).
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal procedure where a court validates your will and gives your Executor the authority to distribute assets. It acts as a "green light" for banks to release funds.
Does everyone need it?
Not always. Small estates or assets held jointly (like a house owned with a spouse) often skip probate.
The Cost (Estate Tax)
Yes. In Ontario, for example, the Estate Administration Tax is roughly 1.5% of the total estate value over $50,000.
Don't Make These Mistakes
The Witness Rule
This is the #1 reason wills are invalid. You must sign your will in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign at the same time. The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries (people getting money) or their spouses.
The "Digital Void"
Don't forget your digital life. Include a memo (outside the will) with passwords for email, social media, and crypto. Otherwise, your family may be locked out of your digital memories forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does marriage cancel my will?
Can I write a handwritten will?
What happens to my debt?
No Will? Risks:
If you die without a will (Intestate), the government writes one for you. In many provinces:
- Common-law partners may get nothing.
- A government appointee manages your finances.
- Funds for children are held in court until they are 18.
When to Update?
-
Marriage / Divorce
-
Birth of Child
-
Buying Property
-
Executor Dies/Moves
Meeting a Lawyer?
Have these ready:
- Full legal names of beneficiaries
- List of assets (bank accounts, investments)
- Deeds for property
- Life insurance policy numbers
- Charity registration numbers (if donating)