Online Wills BC: How to Make a Will in BC, Canada [2023]

If you live in BC, you may be wondering if it is possible to make an online Will. The answer is yes! You can legally make an online Will in BC.

In fact, online wills are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a convenient and cost-effective way to create a legally binding document.

Additionally, online wills may be easier to update than traditional paper wills, making them a good choice for people who want to keep their estate planning up-to-date.

Table Of Contents

It’s no secret that more and more of our lives are moving online. We do our banking online, we shop online, and we even socialize online. So it’s not surprising that an increasing number of people are looking to simplify their estate planning by creating an online will.

But is this really a good idea? Let’s take a closer look at online wills in BC.

Introduction: Online Will British Columbia, Canada

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important things you can do is create a will.

A will allows you to specify how you would like your assets to be distributed after your death and can help to ensure that your wishes are carried out.

You can also highlight how and when you wish to be buried in your will. Do you want to be cremated? Do you wish to be buried within 24 hours of your death? It highlights all your wishes.

If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not be in line with your wishes.

BC Wills Statistics

In a poll conducted in 2020 for the BC Notary Association, the following was discovered:

50% (versus 44% in 2018) of British Columbians reported having a will that was signed, valid under law, and current.
The survey revealed for the first time that at least half of British Columbians have a will.
More homeowners had wills than non-homeowners. Over half of BC homeowners under the age of 55 have a will, and 80% over the age of 55 do.

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Requirements for a Legal Will in BC

The requirements for making a will legal in Canada differ from one province/territory to another.

Here are the terms and requirements if you live in British Columbia (BC) and are curious about the process that legalizes a will specifically in BC:

The Testator or Will maker has to draft the will- they can’t delegate the responsibility of creating their will to somebody else.

The will maker has to be of sound mind and over 16 years old.

Two eligible witnesses must be present when the will-maker signs the will. They would also have to sign the will to prove they were the key witnesses.

When signing the Will, the Testator must use wet ink. Due to the update in BC’s common law about signing wills, all parties involved can sign the document digitally. The original copy is also stored digitally.

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How to Make a Legal Will in British Columbia

There are several different ways to make a will in BC, including holographic wills, lawyer-drafted wills, and online wills. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

1. Holographic Wills in BC

Holographic wills are handwritten and do not need to be witnessed, though they can be more difficult to enforce.

Holographic wills are handwritten and do not need to be witnessed. This makes them quick and easy to create, but there is a risk that they may not be valid if they are not properly executed.

Learn More >> How to Write a Will

2. Lawyer-Drafted Wills in BC

One option is to have a lawyer draft a will for you. This is often the best option if you have a complex estate or if you want to leave specific instructions for your executor. Keep in mind that lawyer-drafted wills are the most expensive option.

PRO-TIP: If you are a low- or moderate-income individual over 55 years old or terminally ill, you may use the Access Pro Bono Wills Clinic to get free legal help with your Wills, Representation Agreements, and Enduring Powers of Attorney.

3. Online Will Kit in BC

Another option is to use a will kit. Will kits are available online or at many stationary stores and can provide a cost-effective way to create a basic will. However, it’s important to make sure that you follow the instructions carefully, as mistakes in your will could invalidate it.

4. Online Wills in BC

Finally, you can also create an online will. There are several online platforms now available that allow you to create a legally binding will from the comfort of your own home.

Online wills are a convenient option if you’re comfortable using technology, but you’ll need to make sure that the online will service you use is reliable and trustworthy.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to ensure that your will is properly executed and witnessed. If not, it may not be considered valid by the court. If you have any questions about creating a Will in British Columbia or about estate planning in general, please contact our office today. We would be happy to assist you.

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How to Make an Online Will in BC, Canada?

If you are considering making an online will, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, make sure you choose a reputable online will service. There are many companies that offer online wills, but not all of them are created equal.

Second, take the time to read over the terms and conditions of the service before you make your will. This will help ensure that you understand what you are agreeing to.

Lastly, be sure to have your online will witnessed and signed by two adult witnesses who are not related to you.

Once you have followed these steps, you can be confident that your online will is legal and binding in BC.

Use the Best Online Will in BC (British Columbia) → Epilogue Wills

It is easy to make a will in BC these days. You no longer have to go through the time-consuming process of getting a will.

With online platforms like Epilogue Will, you can create a will from the comfort of your home in 20 minutes. The best part is that you don’t need a lawyer or notary to create a legal will. Creating a will with this online platform is easy.

Simply go to Epilogue Wills website.
Click on the “Start My Will” button.
Select your province of residence. In this case, select “British Columbia”.
Answer the first set of questions.
Proceed to create an account.
Choose your preferred plan.
Fill out the following questions accordingly.
You’ll need to choose an executor and give details about them, like your relationship with the executor.
If you choose the plan with the power of attorney document, you’ll fill out that part next. You’ll be required to choose who you want to give your power of attorney.
Once successfully filled out, you can either sign the document digitally or print it out to sign.

Features of Epilogue Online Will BC

Creation Process	Easy 3-step process
Cost	Will Only: $139 for individual, $269 for couple Will and Power of Attorney: $199 for individual, $329 for couple
Will Updates	Free
Location	Online
Speed	20 minutes

Benefits of Epilogue Online Will BC

There are tons of benefits to using Epilogue Wills to make your will in BC. A few are:

It is affordable.
You can create a comprehensive will online without contacting the Epilogue wills team or lawyers.
It is great for individual and couple estate planning.
You can create a detailed will in 20 minutes
Estate planners with years of experience created the will, so you’re safe.

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Pros and Cons of Online Will BC, Canada

While there are some definite advantages to creating an online will, there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before you make your decision.

Pros

On the plus side, online Wills can be created quickly and easily without the need for a lawyer or notary or any other professional assistance. You can simply go online, answer a few questions about your assets and beneficiary choices, and voila! – your will is created.

Another advantage of online wills is that they can be updated easily as your circumstances change. If you get married, have children, or buy a new property, you can simply log back into your account and make the necessary changes to your will.

Cons

The primary drawback to consider before you create an online will is to note that online wills may not be customizable for unique situations.

For example, if you have assets that are held outside Canada or if you have complex estate planning needs. In this case, it’s always best to consult with an estate lawyer who can ensure that your wishes will be carried out exactly as you intend.

In general, online will work for most British Columbians.

Creating an online will can be a convenient and cost-effective way to plan for your future – but it’s important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages before you make your decision.

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FAQs: Online Will Kit BC

Are Online Wills Legal in BC?

Yes, online Will now share the same status as physical wills in BC. This was legalized on December 1, 2021. To make the creation of wills easier in BC, you can create, sign and save the will electronically.

How Much Should a Will Cost in BC?

The cost for a Will in BC depends on how complex your situation is.

If you use the service of a lawyer or a notary, drafting a will in BC could be expensive. Here’s what I mean. If you want to draft a will alone in BC, the average cost is $600. A Will and Estate package, which includes a will and all the other legal documents like Enduring Power of Attorney, Advanced Health Care Directive, and Representation Agreement, typically costs around $1,500.

On the other hand, if you use an online will service like Epilogue Wills, you can create a Will for as little as $139.

Can I Write My Own Will in BC?

Yes, you can write your own will in BC. However, you have to ensure it meets the requirements set to make the will legal.

What Makes a Will Invalid in BC?

Several features can render a will invalid in BC. Depending on the type of will it is, if it isn’t in writing, signed by the will-maker, or done in the presence of two witnesses, it would be invalid. A combination of all these features makes a will valid. So, if you fulfil most of the requirements but leave out one requirement, the will would be considered invalid.

Can a Notary Do a Will in BC?

Yes, notaries can make a will in BC. However, they are limited in this jurisdiction. They can only draft the three types of simple wills highlighted in the Notaries Act. When it comes to wills that contain trusts or estates, it is entirely out of a notary’s jurisdiction- they can’t do that type of will.

How Much Does an Estate Have to Be Worth to Go to Probate in BC?

An estate has to be worth over $25,000. It has to be probated before any distribution can be done. However, if it is below $25,000, you won’t have to pay probate fees.

What Happens When You Die Without A Will in BC?

If you die without a will in BC, the Wills, Estates, and Succession Act governs how your estate is handled.

In British Columbia, a person who dies without a will is deemed to have died intestate. In addition to selecting an executor and guardian for any minor children, the courts will apply provincial rules to divide your assets if you pass away without a will. Sadly, this is frequently not what you would have selected.

It is also crucial to realize that dying without a will has consequences beyond financial ones. Leaving your loved ones to speculate about your ultimate desires while settling your estate might result in additional worry and strain. It is not only expensive but also time-consuming and can create delays.

Creating an online will through a service like Epilogue Wills is one way to ensure that your final wishes are carried out according to your instructions. Not only is it simple and straightforward, but it’s also affordably priced, starting at just $139. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that your loved ones won’t have to go through the stress and hassle of trying to figure out what you would have wanted.

What is “Make a Will Week” in BC?

Make a Will Week BC is an annual event that encourages British Columbians to make or update their wills. The event typically happens in the first week of October.

Making a will is an important step in estate planning and can help to ensure that your wishes are carried out after you die.

RELATED >> Willful vs Epilogue Wills

Final Thoughts: Online Wills BC

Most people associate wills with older adults, but the truth is that anyone can benefit from having a will.

If something unexpected happens and you are unable to communicate your wishes, a will ensures that your loved ones know exactly what you want.

For example, you can use a will to designate who should receive your assets and how they should be used. You can also use a will to appoint a guardian for minor children. Without a will, state laws will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not be in line with your wishes. In addition, if you have young children, the court will appoint a guardian for them, which may not be your first choice.

By having a will, you can have peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be carried out even if you are no longer able to communicate them.

Epilogue Wills is an online wills service that can help you prepare a valid will in BC without the need for a lawyer. They offer a simple online platform that makes it easy to create or update your will, and the platform provides guidance every step of the way. Get started now with your online wills in BC.

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AUTHOR

Charity (Charee) Oisamoje is the founder of TheFinanceKey - TFK. She leads the editorial team, which is comprised of subject-matter experts.

Her professional competencies and expertise make her qualified on this topic. She is an expert at collecting details, verifying facts, and making complex subjects easy to understand.

Backed by Solid Credentials: MBA in Finance Canadian Investment Funds (IFIC) Graduate Masters Degree in International Business Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Candidate ✔️Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) ✔️BSc Accounting

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Online Wills BC: How to Make a Will in BC, Canada [2023]