Toronto, Ontario
Making a Will in Toronto, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Toronto: Ontario's signing and witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Toronto probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Wills in Ontario
The signing rules, probate cost, and intestacy traps that apply across Ontario, plus city-by-city guides for the places people actually live.
Ontario essentials
- Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Ontario?
You don't legally need a lawyer to make a valid will in Ontario. Here's when DIY or an online will is fine, when to hire one, and what the law requires.
- What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Ontario?
In Ontario a valid will must be in writing, signed at the end, and witnessed by two adults who aren't beneficiaries. Full checklist and the mistakes that void a will.
- Is a Handwritten Will Legal in Ontario?
Yes — a fully handwritten, signed will (a holograph will) is legal in Ontario with no witnesses. Here are the rules and why they're easier to contest.
- Are Online & Electronic Wills Legal in Ontario?
Online wills are legal in Ontario when printed and signed with two witnesses. Fully electronic (e-signed) wills are not clearly allowed yet. Here's the difference.
- What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Ontario?
Die without a will in Ontario and the Succession Law Reform Act decides everything. The spouse gets the first $350,000, then a share with the children. Full breakdown.
- Does Your Spouse Inherit Everything in Ontario?
Not automatically. In Ontario a married spouse gets the first $350,000 plus a share, and common-law partners inherit nothing without a will. What couples must know.
- How Much Does Probate Cost in Ontario?
Ontario charges an Estate Administration Tax of 1.5% above $50,000 — about $14,250 on a $1M estate. See the fee math, examples, and legal ways to reduce it.
- What Assets Skip Your Will & Avoid Probate in Ontario?
In Ontario, named-beneficiary accounts (RRSP, TFSA, life insurance) and jointly owned property pass outside your will and avoid the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax.
- Does a Will Cover Medical Decisions in Ontario?
No — a will only takes effect when you die. In Ontario you also need Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care for incapacity. Here's the full picture.
- How Often Should You Update Your Will in Ontario?
Wills don't expire in Ontario, but they go stale. Review yours after marriage, divorce, a new child, or major assets — and know the 2022 marriage-revocation change.
Cities in Ontario
Ottawa, Ontario
Making a Will in Ottawa, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Ottawa: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Ottawa probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Hamilton, Ontario
Making a Will in Hamilton, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Hamilton: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Hamilton probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Brampton, Ontario
Making a Will in Brampton, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Brampton: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Peel Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Mississauga, Ontario
Making a Will in Mississauga, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Mississauga: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Peel Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Markham, Ontario
Making a Will in Markham, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Markham: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where York Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
London, Ontario
Making a Will in London, Ontario
How to make a valid will in London, Ontario: the province's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where London probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Kingston, Ontario
Making a Will in Kingston, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Kingston: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Frontenac probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Sarnia, Ontario
Making a Will in Sarnia, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Sarnia: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Lambton probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Brantford, Ontario
Making a Will in Brantford, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Brantford: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Brant County probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Burlington, Ontario
Making a Will in Burlington, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Burlington: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Halton probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Aurora, Ontario
Making a Will in Aurora, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Aurora: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where York Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Pickering, Ontario
Making a Will in Pickering, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Pickering: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Durham probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Cambridge, Ontario
Making a Will in Cambridge, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Cambridge: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Waterloo Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Welland, Ontario
Making a Will in Welland, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Welland: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Niagara probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Peterborough, Ontario
Making a Will in Peterborough, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Peterborough: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Peterborough probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Kitchener, Ontario
Making a Will in Kitchener, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Kitchener: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Waterloo Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Newmarket, Ontario
Making a Will in Newmarket, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Newmarket: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where York Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Oakville, Ontario
Making a Will in Oakville, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Oakville: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Halton Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Whitby, Ontario
Making a Will in Whitby, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Whitby: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Durham probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Barrie, Ontario
Making a Will in Barrie, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Barrie: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Simcoe County probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Milton, Ontario
Making a Will in Milton, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Milton: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Halton probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Clarington, Ontario
Making a Will in Clarington, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Clarington: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Durham probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Ajax, Ontario
Making a Will in Ajax, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Ajax: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Durham probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Belleville, Ontario
Making a Will in Belleville, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Belleville: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Hastings probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Windsor, Ontario
Making a Will in Windsor, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Windsor: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Windsor probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Making a Will in Niagara Falls, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Niagara Falls: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Niagara probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Vaughan, Ontario
Making a Will in Vaughan, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Vaughan: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where York Region probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Making a Will in Thunder Bay, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Thunder Bay: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Thunder Bay probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
Greater Sudbury, Ontario
Making a Will in Greater Sudbury, Ontario
How to make a valid will in Greater Sudbury: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Sudbury probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
North Bay, Ontario
Making a Will in North Bay, Ontario
How to make a valid will in North Bay: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Nipissing probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06
St. Catharines, Ontario
Making a Will in St. Catharines, Ontario
How to make a valid will in St. Catharines: Ontario's witnessing rules, the 1.5% Estate Administration Tax, intestacy, and where Niagara probate is filed.
Updated 2026-06