Without a Will, Ontario Decides
If you die without a will, the Succession Law Reform Act determines who receives your estate under fixed rules — a married spouse takes a preferential share, the remainder divides between spouse and children, and common-law partners do not automatically inherit. Guardianship of minor children and the timing of inheritances are also left to default rules. A properly drafted will puts those decisions back in your hands.
Do I Need a Will? Almost Certainly, Yes
The direct answer: if you are married, separated, living common-law, have children, own a home, run a business, or simply want a say in who receives what — you need a will. The cases where a will matters most are the ones people assume it matters least:
You Have Minor Children
Your will is where you name a guardian for your children and appoint someone to manage their inheritance — otherwise a child receives their full share outright at 18, and guardianship is left for the courts and family to sort out. For most parents this clause alone is the reason to make a will.
You're Common-Law
Ontario intestacy rules give a common-law partner nothing automatically — no matter how many years or children you share. Without a will, your partner's route to your estate is a dependant's support claim against it. A will fixes this with one document.
You Own a Home
Real property pushes most estates well past the point where Ontario's Estate Administration Tax and formal probate apply. A planned will controls who takes the home, on what terms, and keeps the administration orderly.
You're Separated, Not Divorced
Separation alone does not revoke your will or beneficiary designations under Ontario law in the way people expect — the details depend on when and how you separated. If you have separated, reviewing your will and POAs is urgent, not optional.
Wondering what it costs before you commit? We published a full price breakdown — DIY kits vs. online platforms vs. lawyer-drafted — in our guide: How Much Does a Will Cost in Ontario?
Powers of Attorney
A will speaks only at death. Powers of attorney protect you while you are alive: a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property lets someone you trust manage your finances if you cannot, and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care covers health care, housing, and personal decisions. Both are prepared under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992. Without them, your family may need a court application to manage your affairs — far slower and more expensive than signing two documents now.
How It Works — Two Sessions
Meet Your Lawyer
One hour, virtual or in person. We walk through wills and POAs, discuss your situation, and answer your questions. No paperwork needed beforehand.
Complete Your Instructions
At your own pace, you provide the details your lawyer needs — executors, beneficiaries, attorneys, guardians — through our secure client portal.
Review & Sign
We meet in person to review your finalized documents, answer remaining questions, and execute everything with witnesses — a legal requirement for valid execution.
Flat Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Essential Will — a straightforward will for a single individual | From $400 + HST |
| Complete Package — Will + POA for Property + POA for Personal Care, per person | $500 + HST |
| Couples Package — 2 Wills + 4 POAs (mirror wills), for both spouses | $900 + HST |
| Mutual Wills Contract — optional add-on to the Couples Package | $250 + HST |
| Notarized / commissioned copy of any document | $40 + HST |