TL;DR
LegalWills.ca offers a digital Will signing option that allows you to electronically sign your Will and have it witnessed remotely via video signing. This feature is available in provinces that permit electronic Wills and virtual witnessing (including Ontario and British Columbia). The signed document is stored securely in your encrypted MyVault. For provinces that require traditional wet signatures, you should still print, sign, and witness your Will in person.
Originally published: November 18, 2021 | Last updated: December 17, 2025
LegalWills.ca now supports electronic signing of Wills through a secure digital signing process with remote video witnessing. This means you can create, sign, and have your Will witnessed without printing a single page; entirely online. The digital Will is stored in your encrypted MyVault, accessible only to you and your designated keyholders.
How Does Electronic Will Signing Work at LegalWills.ca?
The electronic signing process follows a structured workflow designed to meet provincial legal requirements:
- Create your Will: Complete the guided questionnaire at LegalWills.ca, just as you would for a traditional printed Will
- Choose electronic signing: Select the e-signing option instead of printing
- Set up a Video Signing Room (VSR): Schedule a video session with two witnesses
- Sign electronically: Apply your electronic signature to the Will document while your witnesses observe via video
- Witnesses sign electronically: Both witnesses apply their electronic signatures while all parties remain on the video call
- Document is sealed and stored: The signed Will is encrypted and stored in your MyVault
How Are Witnesses Invited to the Video Signing?
The process for inviting witnesses is straightforward:
- The host (you) receives a setup email with instructions for scheduling the signing session
- Each witness receives an invitation email with a link to join the Video Signing Room at the scheduled time
- All three parties join the video call and verify their identities
- The signing ceremony proceeds with all parties visible on camera throughout
The same witness requirements apply as for traditional signing: witnesses must be at least 18 years old, must not be beneficiaries of the Will, and must not be spouses of beneficiaries. Learn more about witness requirements for signing a Will.
Is an Electronically Signed Will Legally Valid?
Electronic Wills are legally valid in provinces that have enacted legislation permitting them. The key provinces:
| Province | Electronic Wills Permitted? | Virtual Witnessing? |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Yes (permanent since 2022) | Yes |
| British Columbia | Yes (WESA amendments) | Yes |
| Saskatchewan | Under review | Limited provisions |
| Other provinces | Not yet; traditional signing required | Not yet |
If you live in a province that does not yet permit electronic Wills, you should print your Will and sign it in person with two witnesses present.
What Is a Compliance Certificate?
A compliance certificate is a document that confirms the electronic Will was created and signed in accordance with provincial legislation. It records key details of the signing ceremony, including the identity of all parties, the date and time, and confirmation that all legal requirements were met. This certificate accompanies the digital Will and serves a similar purpose to an Affidavit of Execution for traditional paper Wills.
How Is the Digital Will Stored in MyVault?
After signing, your digital Will is encrypted and stored in your MyVault, a secure online document storage system provided by LegalWills.ca. Key features of MyVault:
- End-to-end encryption: Your documents are encrypted and accessible only to you
- Keyholder access: You can designate keyholders; trusted individuals who can access your documents after your death or incapacity
- Multiple document storage: Store your Will, Power of Attorney, Living Will, and other important documents in one secure location
- Access from anywhere: Your documents are available whenever you need them, from any device
How Does the Keyholder System Work?
The keyholder system ensures your digital Will can be accessed when needed:
- You designate keyholders; typically your executor, spouse, or trusted family member
- Keyholders receive instructions on how to request access
- Upon your death or incapacity, keyholders can initiate an access request
- After verification, the keyholder gains access to your stored documents
This system solves one of the biggest problems in estate planning: ensuring your Will can be found after your death. Combined with registration at the Canada Will Registry, it provides a comprehensive safety net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I still print a paper copy of my Will?
Yes, even if you sign electronically, keeping a printed copy is advisable. Provincial laws around electronic Wills are still evolving, and a paper backup provides an additional layer of security. Some institutions (banks, land registries) may still prefer paper documents.
Can I use any video platform for the signing ceremony?
The LegalWills.ca system uses its own integrated Video Signing Room. This ensures a complete record of the ceremony and compliance with provincial requirements. Using an external platform (Zoom, FaceTime) may not meet all legal requirements.
Is MyVault storage included in the Will price?
MyVault is available as part of the LegalWills.ca service. Check the current pricing and features at LegalWills.ca.
What happens to my digital Will if LegalWills.ca closes?
Your digital Will is your legal document. Always maintain a printed, signed backup copy stored securely outside of any online service. The digital version provides convenience and accessibility, but the paper original should be your primary document.
Tim Hewson is one of the founders of LegalWills.ca.
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets including CTV, Global News, The Toronto Star, and other leading Canadian publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
