What should Canadians know about a last will and testament?
A testamentary instrument names beneficiaries, appoints an executor (or liquidator), and can nominate guardians for minors; absent a valid will, provincial intestacy statutes supply a default distribution scheme.
In every province and territory, legislation sets out a default order of inheritance when someone dies without a valid will. Those defaults may not match your relationships, charitable goals, or the age at which you want children to inherit.
A clear will can also appoint an executor you trust, set out funeral or burial wishes where permitted, and reduce uncertainty for family members during a difficult time. Templates and online workflows help many people record consistent wishes, but complex estates may still benefit from independent legal review.
Legalify’s questionnaire is designed to capture common Canadian situations; you should still read your finished document carefully and follow local rules for signing and witnessing.
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Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and is not legal advice. Rules vary by province and change over time; speak with a qualified lawyer about your own circumstances.
Ready to document your wishes with Legalify? Use the guided workflow, then review outputs with a professional if your situation is complex.