Can I Write My Own Will in Ontario in 2026?
Yes, you can write your own will in Ontario, but mistakes can make it invalid. Ensure it’s legally sound with proper signatures or seek professional advice.
June 2, 2026
Yes, you can write your own will in Ontario, but mistakes can make it invalid. Ensure it’s legally sound with proper signatures or seek professional advice.
If you’re a business owner or own multiple properties, there are additional considerations that could significantly impact how much tax your estate pays and how efficiently your assets are transferred.
A Living Will in Ontario is a written statement that outlines the medical care you want—or don’t want—if you become unable to speak for yourself.
In Ontario, probate fees—officially called the Estate Administration Tax—are calculated based on the total value of the deceased person’s assets.
Ken and Alice came to me after retiring. They were 72 and 70 and had accumulated approximately $6.8 million in non-registered investments, primarily stocks, along with $1.8 million in RRIFs and RRSPs.
Rick and Cindy came to me in their late 50s after the sale of Rick’s business. They had three children, two of whom were already working while their youngest was finishing university. Their assets included approximately $3.7 million in stocks and bonds and an industrial rental property worth about $3.2 million.
Placing your house in a trust offers several benefits, including avoiding probate fees, maintaining privacy, and ensuring a smooth transfer to beneficiaries.
The cost of setting up a living trust in Ontario typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 for basic trusts, but can be higher for more complex arrangements.
When inheriting a house in Ontario, the estate may be responsible for capital gains tax on any increase in property value from the original purchase date to the date of death.
Mohammed and Sanjit came to me at ages 76 and 75, looking for ways to reduce the impact of taxes and probate fees on their estate.