{"id":3076,"date":"2025-12-10T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.ca\/blog\/?p=3076"},"modified":"2026-06-09T12:59:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T16:59:49","slug":"writing-a-will-in-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.ca\/blog\/writing-a-will-in-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Will in Ontario"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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TL;DR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To write a legally valid Will in Ontario, you must be at least 18 years old, have testamentary capacity, and sign the Will in the presence of two witnesses who also sign. Ontario recognizes formal Wills and holographic (handwritten) Wills. The most affordable option is an online Will service like LegalWills.ca ($49.95), compared to $500\u2013$1,500+ for a lawyer. Ontario has specific rules on marriage revocation, estate administration tax (probate fees), and the Succession Law Reform Act governs intestacy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Originally published: October 1, 2021 | Last updated: December 10, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writing a Will in Ontario follows the rules set out in the Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA) and the Estates Act. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province, home to approximately 15 million people, yet surveys consistently show that more than half of Ontario adults do not have a Will. This guide explains exactly how to create a legally valid Will in Ontario, what it costs, and what happens if you die without one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Writing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Legal Requirements for a Will in Ontario?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under the Succession Law Reform Act, a valid formal Will in Ontario requires:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Age:<\/strong> The testator must be at least 18 years old (exceptions for married individuals and members of the Canadian Armed Forces)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Testamentary capacity:<\/strong> The testator must understand the nature of a Will, the extent of their property, and the claims of those who might expect to benefit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Written document:<\/strong> The Will must be in writing (typed or printed is acceptable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Signature:<\/strong> The testator must sign at the end of the Will<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Two witnesses:<\/strong> Two witnesses must be present, see the testator sign (or acknowledge their signature), and then sign the Will themselves in the testator’s presence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Voluntariness:<\/strong> The Will must be made freely, without undue influence or coercion<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What Types of Wills Are Valid in Ontario?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Type<\/th>Requirements<\/th>Recommended?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Formal Will<\/strong><\/td>Written, signed by testator, signed by two witnesses<\/td>Yes, the standard and safest option<\/td><\/tr>
    Holographic Will<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Entirely in testator’s handwriting, signed by testator, no witnesses needed<\/td>Not recommended; vulnerable to challenges<\/td><\/tr>
    Electronic Will<\/strong><\/td>Created and signed electronically, with virtual witnessing via audio-visual technology<\/td>Available since 2022; check current requirements<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Ontario made electronic Wills and virtual witnessing permanently available in 2022, making it one of the most progressive provinces for Will execution options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Historical<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    How Much Does a Will Cost in Ontario?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Method<\/th>Cost<\/th>Time<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Estate planning lawyer<\/strong><\/td>$500\u2013$1,500+<\/td>2\u20134 weeks<\/td><\/tr>
    Online Will (LegalWills.ca)<\/strong><\/td>$49.95<\/td>20 minutes<\/td><\/tr>
    Will kit<\/a><\/strong><\/td>$15\u2013$35<\/td>1\u20132 hours<\/td><\/tr>
    Holographic (handwritten)<\/strong><\/td>Free<\/td>Varies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    For most Ontario residents with straightforward estate planning needs, an online Will provides the best combination of affordability, speed, and legal validity. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to the cost of a Will in Canada<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Are Ontario’s Specific Rules About Marriage and Wills?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Ontario has important rules about how marriage and divorce affect a Will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n