Signing

A short explainer on electronically signing a Will in British Columbia

For the last 200 years, the law that describes how to write a Will has barely changed. You have been required to write a Will on a piece of paper and sign it in ink in the presence of two witnesses. In 2020 because of COVID, some laws changed to allow witnesses to be “virtually” […]

2 minute read
Anonymous

Tim Hewson

December 1, 2021

For the last 200 years, the law that describes how to write a Will has barely changed. You have been required to write a Will on a piece of paper and sign it in ink in the presence of two witnesses.

In 2020 because of COVID, some laws changed to allow witnesses to be “virtually” present.

However, the Will would still need to be mailed to each witness to be signed in ink.

2021 has seen the introduction of e-signing and digital Wills in some jurisdictions, and Bill 21 in British Columbia will make BC the first Canadian Province to allow a Will to be electronically signed and digitally stored.

LegalWills.ca has teamed up with the Canadian company Syngrafii to create the most complete electronic Will solution available to Canadians.

If you are a resident in BC, you can choose the option to e-sign your Will. You can invite your witnesses to a scheduled Video Signing Room. When you gather, you will be guided through each of the places to sign in the document.

LegalWills.ca then allows you to store your signed document in your Digital Vault together with an audit trail called a “Masterfile”.

You can then set your Executor up as a “keyholder”, to access the signed Last Will and Testament as well as the Masterfile, which can be printed and submitted to the probate courts in BC.

The partnership between LegalWills.ca and Syngrafii, together with the Digital Vault and Keyholder solution, makes this the perfect tool for creating and storing an electronically signed Will under the new Digital Will laws in BC.

Tim Hewson

Create your own Will

We make crafting the perfect will quick, easy, and affordable. In 20 minutes or less, you can create a comprehensive Will from the comfort of your own home.
Get Started Today

Take The Estate Planning Quiz

Not sure where to start? We have you covered.

We eliminate the unknowns by helping you get started. If you aren't sure where to start, our quiz will point you in the right direction. Simply answer a few questions about your assets and desires, and we will recommend your ideal package.

Take The Quiz

Similar Articles

Browse Our Blog
How LegalWills.ca created the first electronically signed Will in Canada.
Signing

How LegalWills.ca created the first electronically signed Will in Canada.

On December 1st, 2021, new laws came into effect in British Columbia that allowed BC residents to create an “electronic...

Continue Reading
Signing your Will – simple rules for Canada
Signing

Signing your Will – simple rules for Canada

Many Canadians think that making a Will means meeting with a legal professional and paying expensive fees. Although someone with...

Continue Reading
The Affidavit of Execution and signing your Will. What makes a Will legal?
Signing

The Affidavit of Execution and signing your Will. What makes a Will legal?

One of the most common misconceptions associated with writing your own Will is around the signing process. We answer this...

Continue Reading