How long does it take to make a will?

With a guided online service, most people finish the questionnaire in about 20 minutes, then print and sign. A lawyer-drafted will can take a few days to a few weeks depending on complexity.

Do I need a lawyer to make a will?

Not for most straightforward estates. A lawyer is recommended for complex situations — blended families, business succession, beneficiaries with disabilities, or foreign assets.

What if I cannot decide on a guardian or executor?

You can still complete the rest of your will, but try to name at least one choice with an alternate. Leaving these roles blank means a court may decide instead.

Can I change my will after I sign it?

Yes. You can make a new will or, in limited cases, a formal amendment called a codicil. The simplest approach is usually to create an updated will that revokes the old one.

How to Make a Will: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a will does not have to be overwhelming. At its core it is a handful of decisions written down and signed correctly. This guide walks through the steps in order so you can finish with confidence. This is general information, not legal advice — consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction.

Step 1: What do you own?

Start by listing your major assets: your home, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, registered accounts, business interests, and valuable personal items. Note any debts as well, since these are paid from your estate first.

Flag assets that pass outside a will, such as life insurance, registered accounts with named beneficiaries, and jointly owned property. Knowing what your will actually controls prevents surprises.

Step 2: Who inherits?

Decide who your beneficiaries are and in what shares. You can leave percentages of your whole estate, specific dollar amounts, or particular items to particular people.

Always name backup (contingent) beneficiaries in case your first choice dies before you. Thinking through the 'what if' scenarios now spares your family uncertainty later.

Step 3: Who is in charge?

Choose an executor — the person who will carry out your will. Pick someone trustworthy, organized, and willing to take on the work, and name an alternate in case they cannot serve.

If you have minor children, nominate a guardian. Talk to the people you have in mind before naming them so they are prepared to say yes.

Step 4: Write it down

Put your decisions into a properly structured will. You can use a lawyer, a guided online service, or, where permitted, write one entirely by hand.

An online service like iFinallyWill turns your answers into a province- or state-specific will in about 20 minutes and lets you update it for life as circumstances change.

Step 5: Sign it correctly

A will is only valid once it is signed the way your jurisdiction requires. In most places that means signing in front of two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries, who then sign in your presence.

Store the signed original somewhere safe and tell your executor where to find it. A perfect will that no one can locate cannot be used.

After you finish

Review your will every few years and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, a birth, or a move. An outdated will can be as problematic as no will at all.

Consider preparing powers of attorney at the same time so that someone can manage your finances and health decisions if you become unable to do so while alive.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to make a will?: With a guided online service, most people finish the questionnaire in about 20 minutes, then print and sign. A lawyer-drafted will can take a few days to a few weeks depending on complexity.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will?: Not for most straightforward estates. A lawyer is recommended for complex situations — blended families, business succession, beneficiaries with disabilities, or foreign assets.
What if I cannot decide on a guardian or executor?: You can still complete the rest of your will, but try to name at least one choice with an alternate. Leaving these roles blank means a court may decide instead.
Can I change my will after I sign it?: Yes. You can make a new will or, in limited cases, a formal amendment called a codicil. The simplest approach is usually to create an updated will that revokes the old one.