Online Wills vs. Lawyer Drafted Wills: Which is Better?

The Evolution of Estate Planning

Historically, making a Last Will and Testament meant visiting a mahogany-paneled law office, paying a hefty retainer, and waiting weeks for a document. Today, technology has democratized the process. But which method is right for you?

The Case for Online Wills

Online platforms like Will Project utilize the exact same standard legal precedents and clauses that law firms use, but automate the data entry.

• Cost: Online wills generally cost between $0 and $250. A lawyer typically charges $800 to $2,500 for a couple.
• Convenience: You can draft it at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday in your pajamas. No appointments, no taking time off work.
• Easy Updates: Most platforms let you log back in and generate a new PDF instantly if you buy a new house or have another child. Lawyers charge an hourly fee to amend documents.

The Case for Lawyer-Drafted Wills

Software cannot provide tailored legal strategy. You are paying a lawyer for their bespoke advice, not just their typing speed.

• Complex Family Dynamics: If you are excluding a child from your Will, a lawyer is practically mandatory. In Ontario, excluded dependents can challenge the estate, and a lawyer will document the file to protect your wishes.
• Corporate Reorganizations: Business owners often need "Multiple Wills" (one for personal assets that goes through probate, and one for corporate shares that bypasses the probate tax). Online platforms cannot execute these complex corporate freezes.
• Disability Trusts: If absolute asset protection is needed for a vulnerable beneficiary, bespoke legal drafting is required.

The Golden Rule

If your estate is straightforward, an online Will is the smarter, more efficient choice. If your situation is legally or emotionally complex, pay the professional.