FormalWill Guide (2026): Is It Worth It?
A legally valid Canadian will, written online in about 20 minutes — free to start, $79 for the full premium version.
Skip if: Businesses, cross-border assets or blended-family trusts — see a lawyerFree to start · Premium Will Plus $79 one-time · Prices checked October 2026 — the retailer’s price always wins.
Checked against the official FormalWill site · Educational guide — not legal advice. Complex estates need a lawyer.
Most Canadians know they need a will. Most still don’t have one.
Dying without a will ("intestate") means provincial formulas — not you — decide who raises your kids and who gets your savings. FormalWill removes the two usual excuses: cost and effort. The guided questionnaire produces a legally valid Canadian will; the standard version is free, and Premium Will Plus ($79 one-time) adds the extras most families want, like richer guardianship and distribution options.
What we like
- Free standard will removes every excuse to start
- Premium is a one-time $79 — not another subscription
- Plain-language guided flow, no legal background needed
- Provincial rules handled inside the questionnaire
What to know
- Complex estates (businesses, cross-border assets, blended-family trusts) still deserve a lawyer
- You must print, sign and witness correctly — instructions included, follow them exactly
- Remember to update after marriage, kids, divorce or big asset changes
How we researched & scored FormalWill
- Checked the official store, live pricing and product pages (October 2026)
- Read the public terms, shipping, returns and warranty policies end to end
- Sampled genuine customer feedback (store reviews and independent review platforms where available)
- Checked the free/premium feature split and pricing on the official site, and execution (signing/witnessing) requirements
- Scored out of 10 on value, trust signals, policies and customer sentiment; re-checked monthly — scores are editorial and never paid for
FormalWill: the fastest responsible decision a Canadian adult can make this week
Researched from the official store, current pricing and verified customer feedback. Our method is spelled out on this page — no paid placements, ever.
Start your free will →Frequently asked questions
Is an online will legally valid in Canada?
Yes, when it is executed correctly: printed, signed and witnessed as your province requires. The platform guides you through it.
What does Premium add?
Premium Will Plus ($79 one-time) unlocks the full feature set beyond the free standard will.
When should I update my will?
After marriage, separation, a child, a death in the family, or a major change in assets.
In pictures: FormalWill
Images: FormalWill (official site)
FormalWill vs the alternatives
| FormalWillOUR PICK | Willful | A lawyer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ✓ Free start; Premium $79 one-time | Paid plans | ~$400–800+ typical |
| Time | ~20 minutes online | ~20 minutes online | Appointments over weeks |
| Updates | Edit online | Edit online | New fee per change |
| Human legal review | — Self-serve guided | — Self-serve guided | ✓ Yes |
| Made for Canada | ✓ Provincial rules built in | ✓ Canadian | ✓ Local |
| Best for | Straightforward estates, fast | Similar online wills | Complex estates |
Compared from the brands’ official sites, checked 15 October 2026. Prices and terms change — the retailer’s site is the final word.
Who it suits — and who should skip it
Best for
- Straightforward Canadian estates
- Parents who need to name guardians
- Anyone who still has no will at all
Skip if
- Businesses, cross-border assets or blended-family trusts — see a lawyer
- You want a lawyer to store and manage everything for you