Online Wills vs Lawyer-Prepared Wills: Which Should You Trust? Part 1

What Are Online Wills?

Online wills are DIY (do it yourself) or homemade wills created on websites that guide consumers through a standard set of questions. Once these questions are answered, consumers can print and sign wills with witnesses. These websites may or may not state that their forms satisfy Ontario’s laws.

Guidance or Legal Advice?

Online will providers (OWPs) claim they are not providing legal advice. They only provide guidance. What is the difference between legal information and legal advice? Only lawyers can give legal advice.

Can you make wills without legal advice?

Yes. You do not need lawyers or notaries to make wills in Ontario. You can, however, benefit from investing in legal advice if, for example, you have minor children, own foreign assets or have joint ownership property. You need advice on business, family, estate laws and taxes.

Today lawyers can also offer online will services using audio visual technology. What lawyers produce are not DIY wills. Lawyers must verify your identity, and keep evidence to support wills they prepare. Lawyer-prepared wills are thus investments. Lawyers can testify in court to validate their documents.

I believe there are advantages to lawyer-prepared wills. I do have a bias since I am a lawyer. Consumers may gamble making their DIY wills without legal advice.

Information you give OWP’s today may be lost in the future. OWP’s can change their business terms. Who is out of luck if no one can defend your will in court? Your loved ones, of course. There is no regulatory agency to help you if you have complaints or if a website makes promises they cannot deliver.

Lawyer-Prepared Will Advantages

Lawyers are highly regulated professionals and concerned about their reputations. They are insured for their mistakes. You are a client; they owe a fiduciary duty to you. They can be sued by potential beneficiaries if there are problems.

Lawyers have duties as officers of the court. They have professional obligations to defend any document they prepare. Lawyers who take notes are considered expert witnesses on wills in court. They can confirm you had legal capacity to make wills.

There is no similar protection for online wills since they do not provide legal advice.

Want to arrange a meeting to discuss your will or estate? Contact me.

How to Get Started

Need help planning your will or handling an estate with or without a will? Contact me for a meeting. I have solved estate problems for decades by going to court or through mediation.

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: November 27th, 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

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