Discover the Truth: Are Online Will Services a Safe Bet for Your Estate?

Clients ask me if it is okay for their adult children to use online will providers to make their own wills. The answer is not complicated, but you must know why.

First, let me make two disclaimers:

You do not need to have a lawyer prepare or notarize your will to make it legal in Ontario. That does not mean you will not benefit from legal advice.
I am a lawyer who prepares wills and does estate work in Ontario. I have a conflict of interest on this question. However, who else can you rely on to give you legal advice about estates and wills but an experienced lawyer?

You can have your financial planner answer questions about estate planning. They can help with designations for your registered funds, but this is not all the information you need to make a will.

Your Risks – Making Wills

To make a will, you must comply with the legal formalities in your jurisdiction or province. If you rely on an online service to draft wills, you may be talking to a chatbot in another jurisdiction.

Wills can be rendered invalid if they contain errors. Courts cannot fix every error. Common mistakes involve not complying with proper witnessing of wills and using imprecise language.

Remember, online will services are not a substitute for legal advice that is customized to your particular needs.

Your specific needs depend on whether you:

• are single, married, separating, in the process of going through divorce
• are living in a common-law relationship with or without children
• have children who are minors
• are operating a business
• need a trust to protect beneficiaries
• own real estate with anyone

Online will providers are not law firms. These websites cannot provide confidential legal advice. You may need this advice. For example, you wish to discuss the pros and cons of choosing your our-of-province sister, Helen, with financial problems as your executor to administer your estate.

Who Doesn’t Need Tax Advice?

Most people also need sound advice to reduce provincial estate taxes and federal income taxes.

Chatbots cannot give tax advice, cannot keep your information confidential, or guarantee security.

You need to know how to deal with family, estate and tax laws that require specialized knowledge.

Failing to consider tax consequences in estate planning details can be costly. If you overpay your taxes, your loved ones receive less. This can lead to a failure of your good intentions or estate planning goals.

Only You Can Make Your Will

No one can sign an online will for you. You have the duty to those you care for to ensure you don’t leave them with estate problems. These problems can lead to legal proceedings, court delays, legal expenses and family conflict.

Lawyer prepared wills can provide peace of mind. These wills can cost only pennies a day if they last years before needing revisions or updates.

Make sure your loved ones are not left empty-handed. They don’t want to spend their own money in court proceedings asking the court to validate your online or do-it-yourself will.

What’s Next?

You don’t have to be intimidated by estate lawyers. I offer a no-obligation meeting to discuss your options. Arrange a meeting.

Take advantage of this meeting by Zoom or in-person in my Toronto west end office. Contact me today.

I am a Certified Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law. I can give you expert tips to end your worries.

Posted In: Estates, Wills On: September 10th, 2025

“I want to thank Ed and his firm for getting me through a very difficult time. He was recommended to me by another lawyer and I am grateful for that recommendation. Ed kept me grounded, listened to me, counseled me and supported me. I do so appreciate that. And he is worth every penny. Thank you!” - Claudia R, Toronto

“Thank you for your professional advice and lawyering while I was planning my will, all accompanied with your patience and a sense of humour.” - Valerie G, Toronto

“Ed is a "straight shooter" who tells it like it is and helps you make the best possible decisions in your circumstances. I've personally seen the "magic" he can work in an estate and recommend him without reservation to anyone who wants an iron clad will or estate advice and management that saves money, frayed nerves and friendships.” - Jim R, Burlington

I have used Edward Olkovich for my own Will and I was the executor of my Brother-in-law’s will. My brother-in-law had a terminal illness and Edward had us devise his Will to minimize taxes and problems. Ed is located locally @ Jane and Bloor. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and thorough and has written many books on the subject. - Belinda M, Toronto

Ed is a thorough, responsive estates lawyer who I would recommend to anyone when needing a will or dealing with estate issues. - Eva S, Toronto

Dear Ed and “Team Olkovich” “Thank you for your knowledge, expertise and hard work to make our executor duties (almost) stress-free. Will miss the laughs and stories you tell so well. All our appreciation always!” - Pat, Dave & John, Toronto

Dear Ed, Thank you for all your wisdom and kindness throughout the process of settling Ann’s Estate. - Cheryl, Toronto

“The easiest professional I had to deal with to settle my parents’ needs was Ed. I told him what we needed. He was gracious with his advice and help - without delaying matters.” - Iain N., Toronto

“Magic! The guy knows magic!” - Steve G., Toronto

“In the land of estate law, Ed is King.” - Cheryl W., Toronto