Wills and estates · 7 min read · Published September 2026
Making a will in Ontario: what to include
The people, property, guardianship, digital accounts, and executor decisions to think through before a will appointment.
Short answer
A will should identify your intentions clearly, name an executor, address beneficiaries and alternate beneficiaries, and coordinate with property or plans that may pass outside the will. Ontario signing and witnessing rules matter, so use a current legal process rather than relying on an online checklist alone.
What decisions should you prepare?
Start with a private inventory of people, property, debts, business interests, dependants, and promises you want to keep. Ask how jointly owned assets, beneficiary designations, and registered accounts interact with the will.
- Executor and alternate executor
- Beneficiaries and what happens if one dies first
- Guardianship wishes for minor children
- Specific gifts, charitable gifts, and residue of the estate
What can make a will difficult to administer?
Unclear language, outdated beneficiaries, informal promises, blended families, business ownership, and capacity or undue-influence concerns can create disputes. Review the will after marriage, separation, divorce, births, deaths, major purchases, or a move.
- Keep the original and tell the executor where it is
- Coordinate life insurance and account designations
- Record why a significant decision was made where appropriate
- Do not write on a signed will without legal advice
Common questions
Can I write my own will?
Some wills may be valid without a lawyer, but signing, witnessing, wording, capacity, and execution issues can create uncertainty. Legal review is especially important for complex families or assets.
Does a will control every asset?
No. Joint ownership, beneficiary designations, trusts, and other arrangements may affect how an asset passes. Review the whole plan rather than only the will.
Official sources to check
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