Ontario law on making, signing, storing and updating a will: choosing an executor and guardian, what makes a will valid, who inherits without one, and situations that change the plan — blended families, business ownership, Islamic estate planning. Five stages carry you through it — what you own, executor & guardians, the document, signing and storing & updating — each explaining what happens, who is responsible, and what Ontario law requires. Calculators, a glossary and guides to download sit alongside the stages, and every one ends with our flat, published fee and a way to start a file online.
Your journey, step by step
Every stage is its own page: what happens, who is involved, what it costs, and where a lawyer comes in.
More situations in this centre
Beyond the core journey above: scenarios that change the steps.
Tools
Calculators, checklists that build themselves, and timelines you can drop a date into.
Who inherits when there is no will.
Checklist builderWhat do I need before I make a will?Answer five questions about your family, home, business and beliefs, and get a document-and-decision list sorted to what actually applies to you. It is a starting point, not a complete list for every family.
LiveExecutor compensationThe customary tariff, explained.
Checklist builderWhat should I bring to a will-drafting meeting?Five questions about the meeting itself and what else you're preparing, so nothing gets left at home on the day. It only covers what to bring; your lawyer will ask about the rest at the meeting.
QuizDo I need a will, or an update to the one I have?Five questions about your current will, your family and what you own. The result tells you whether to start, update, or simply keep watching for the next trigger. It is a starting point, not legal advice on your situation.
Who you'll deal with
And what each one is actually responsible for.
Drafts the will and powers of attorney, runs the signing appointment, and confirms it meets Ontario's formal requirements.
Regulated by Law Society of OntarioProves the will, pays debts and taxes, and distributes the estate. A fiduciary role with personal liability for mistakes.
Regulated by Supervised by the Superior Court of JusticeNamed in a will to take on decision-making responsibility for minor children if both parents die; must apply to court within 90 days.
Regulated by Ontario Court of Justice / Superior Court of Justice (Family Court)Watch the will signed, or the signature acknowledged, then sign it themselves in the testator's presence.
Regulated by No licensing requirementManages finances or makes health and personal decisions during incapacity, under a power of attorney made before death.
Regulated by Substitute Decisions Act, 1992Acts as estate trustee, attorney or guardian only as a last resort, when no suitable person is available or willing.
Regulated by Ministry of Public and Business Service DeliveryAdvises on the tax consequences of registered accounts, business interests and an estate freeze, and files the final tax return.
Regulated by CPA OntarioGrants a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, hears dependant support and will-validity applications, and can validate a non-compliant document under section 21.1.
Regulated by Ontario Superior Court of JusticeGuides to download
Free, by email, in seconds.
Read more
From the articles and answers already on the site.
Related centres
Other Learning Centres for the same transaction.
Words worth knowing
A few from the full glossary.
Start a file online in about seven minutes, or ask a lawyer first. Flat, published fees.