Online Wills vs Lawyer-Prepared Wills: Which Should You Trust? Part 2

Read Part 1 of this blog.

Wills are not contracts. They cannot be enforced if they are invalid. Yes, this means will beneficiaries can be out of luck if a will is not valid. Online will providers (OWPs) can’t prevent elder abuse or mitigate suspicious circumstances that allow courts to question wills.

When you sign what looks like a professional will made online, how do you know if it is valid? Financial institutions usually only accept wills after courts validate them. Your executor may need to prove any will is valid in court.

Who does your executor call to support your will in court?

Why Wills are Disputed

You cannot contest wills if you only believe the will is unfair or that your share is less than what you expected. You require legal grounds and evidence to challenge wills.

Wills are legal documents and subject to legal review by judges. See my post on why wills are disputed in Ontario here.

Are You a Gambler?

Ask yourself, are lawyer-prepared wills bad investments or are you using online will providers because you have a limited budget? Are you investing in a valid will or looking for the cheapest will you can find?

Can your OWP come to court to defend your will? Remember, they are not giving any legal advice, only guidance. People who make online wills may think they have a valid will. If courts do not validate their wills, then prior out of date wills can be valid or even worse, people might not have a will at all. If that happens, Ontario intestate laws apply.

Your loved ones count on you to prepare a valid will. Don’t compromise to accept the lowest priced will. Price should not be your deciding factor making your last will. Protecting your money and loved ones are too important to do that.

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: December 2nd, 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

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

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