Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Prince Edward Island?
Last updated 2026-06 · Prince Edward Island
No — Prince Edward Island doesn't require a lawyer to make a valid will. What it requires is compliance with the Probate Act: a will signed by the testator (or a holograph will in your own handwriting) and, for a typed will, signed in front of two witnesses who aren't beneficiaries.
What you legally need
- You must be at least the age of majority and of sound mind.
- A typed will must be signed by you at the end, in the presence of two witnesses who also sign in your presence. Neither witness — nor their spouse — should be a beneficiary, or the gift to them is generally void.
- A holograph will entirely in your own handwriting and signed is valid in Prince Edward Island with no witnesses.
When DIY (or an online service) is reasonable
- Simple estate: a home, a few accounts, registered plans with named beneficiaries.
- Straightforward family: one spouse, adult children, no blended-family complexity.
- No business, no out-of-province real estate, no disabled beneficiary, no trust needs.
A reputable online will service that produces a Prince Edward Island-specific document — printed and witnessed — is usually fine here.
When you should hire a lawyer
- Blended families, second marriages, or estranged children.
- A business, farm, or rental properties.
- A disabled beneficiary who relies on income-tested benefits (a Henson trust may be needed).
- Assets outside Prince Edward Island — especially U.S. real estate.
- High estate value where PEI's about 0.4% probate cost matters.
- Anticipated disputes — estranged spouse, capacity questions, second family.
What a Prince Edward Island lawyer adds
Beyond drafting, a lawyer integrates your will with your Power of Attorney and Personal Directive / Health Care Directive, ensures execution formalities are met, and stores the original safely.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lawyer required to make a will in Prince Edward Island? No — self-drafted and online wills are valid if properly signed and witnessed. Can I write my own will in Prince Edward Island? Yes — fully handwritten and signed is a valid holograph will. How much does a will cost in Prince Edward Island? A simple lawyer-drafted will is typically $400–$800; online services are usually under $200. Are online wills legal in Prince Edward Island? Yes, once printed and signed before two witnesses.
Not legal advice. General information about Prince Edward Island law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Prince Edward Island estate lawyer.
More from Prince Edward Island
- What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Prince Edward Island?
A valid PEI will must be signed at the end and witnessed by two non-beneficiaries — or be a fully handwritten holograph will. Checklist and common mistakes.
- Making a Will in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
How to make a valid will in Charlottetown: Prince Edward Island's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.
- Are Handwritten (Holograph) Wills Valid in Prince Edward Island?
Yes — a fully handwritten and signed will is a valid holograph will in Prince Edward Island, with no witnesses required. Here's how to do it right and why it's risky.
- Are Online & Electronic Wills Legal in Prince Edward Island?
Online wills are legal in Prince Edward Island once printed and witnessed. Fully electronic (e-signed) wills are not. Here's the difference and how to comply.