How to Make an Online Will: It’s Easier Than You Think

Dec 3

How to Make an Online Will: It’s Easier Than You Think

Learn How to Create a Legally Binding Will Online Quickly, Securely, and Stress-Free—Protect Your Loved Ones, Manage Your Assets, and Gain Peace of Mind with Ease

Let’s Talk About Wills—Yes, Seriously

If you’ve been avoiding making a will because it feels overwhelming, morbid, or just plain boring—you’re not alone.
But here’s the deal: creating a will isn’t about planning for death. It’s about planning for life—your life, your legacy, and the people (or pets) you care about.

And the best part? You can create your will online without leaving your couch.

No intimidating lawyer meetings. No mountains of paperwork.
Just a simple, step-by-step process that you can finish in under an hour.

Sound good? Let’s get started.

Why You (Yes, You) Need a Will

“But I’m young, healthy, and don’t have a ton of stuff…”

Cool. You still need a will.
Here’s why:

You have people you love. A will makes sure they’re taken care of.
You have stuff. Even if it’s “just” a car, savings account, or your grandmother’s vintage record collection.
You want control. Without a will, the government decides what happens to your things. (Spoiler: it’s rarely what you’d choose.)

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?

The government steps in. They decide who gets your stuff, and it might not be who you’d want.
Family drama. Yep, even the closest families can fall apart over inheritance disputes.
Delays and legal fees. Your loved ones could spend months (or years) dealing with legal headaches—all of which could have been avoided with a simple will.

Common Excuses for Not Having a Will (and Why They Don’t Hold Up)

“I’m too young to need a will.”
- Accidents happen. It’s better to be prepared.
“I don’t have enough assets.”
- If you have anything of value, even sentimental items, you need a will.
“It’s complicated and expensive.”
- Not anymore. Online wills are simple, affordable, and quick to create.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Online Will

1. Get Clear on What You Own

Before jumping into any online will platform, take stock of your assets. This includes:

Bank accounts
Investments (stocks, retirement funds, etc.)
Property (home, car, land)
Personal items (jewelry, artwork, family heirlooms)
Digital assets (social media accounts, crypto, etc.)

Tip: Even if you think you “don’t have much,” you’d be surprised how quickly things add up.

2. Decide Who Gets What

This part can be emotional. Think about:

Who do you want to inherit your assets?
Are there specific items you’d like to leave to certain people?
Do you want to leave money to a charity or cause you care about?

Pro Tip: Be specific. Instead of saying, “I leave my jewelry to my sister,” write, “I leave my diamond necklace to my sister, [Name].” This avoids confusion (and potential family drama).

3. Choose an Executor

The executor is the person who will make sure your wishes are carried out after you’re gone. Pick someone:

Trustworthy
Organized
Emotionally capable of handling the responsibility

You can also name a backup executor just in case.

4. If You Have Kids or Pets, Name Guardians

This is one of the most important parts of having a will. Who will look after your children or pets if something happens to you?

Choose people you trust and who share your values.
Have a conversation with them first to make sure they’re willing.

3. Choose the Right Online Will Platform

Not all online will services are created equal.
Here’s where to start:

🇨🇦 For Canadians:

Willful

Designed for Canadian laws
User-friendly, quick, and affordable
Prices start around $99

🇺🇸 For Americans:

Trust & Will

Covers all 50 states with legal compliance
Offers wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools
Prices start at $89

(Tip: Always check if the service is valid in your province/state.)Not loving these options? Platforms like LegalZoom (U.S.) and LawDepot (Canada/U.S.) are also great alternatives.

Not Loving These Options? There’s More Out There

While Willful (for Canadians) and Trust & Will (for Americans) are top-rated, they’re not your only choices. If they don’t feel like the right fit for you, that’s totally okay—there are plenty of other platforms to explore.

Here are a few more reputable online will services to consider:

🌎 For Both Canadians & Americans:

LegalZoom: Offers comprehensive legal services, including wills, trusts, and even business contracts.
Rocket Lawyer: Great for customizable legal documents with easy-to-follow templates.
LawDepot: Provides legal document templates tailored for various countries, including Canada and the U.S.

💡 How to Choose the Right Platform for You:

Check for legal compliance in your province or state.
Compare features: Some platforms offer additional estate planning tools like power of attorney documents.
Read reviews: See what other users have experienced to get a feel for the service.
Test the user interface: Many platforms offer free trials or previews so you can see how intuitive they are.

Bottom Line: The best will platform is the one that feels right for you. Whether you prefer simplicity, detailed customization, or extra legal support, there’s an option out there that fits your needs.

6. Fill Out the Will Template

Don’t worry—it’s not a scary legal document filled with confusing words. Most online platforms guide you with simple, fill-in-the-blank questions like:

Who do you want to inherit your assets?
Who will care for your kids or pets?
Who will handle your affairs?

It’s like filling out an online form—just with more impact.

7. Review, Print, and Sign

Once you’ve filled everything out:

Review it carefully. Double-check names, assets, and details.
Print it out.
Sign it in front of witnesses. (Usually two are required, and they can’t be beneficiaries.)

8. Store It Safely

Put your will in a secure place, like:

A fireproof safe
A safety deposit box
With a trusted family member or your executor

Make sure someone you trust knows where to find it.

Bonus Section: Updating Your Will

Life changes. So should your will.

Update it if:

You get married, divorced, or start a new partnership
You have children (or grandchildren)
You buy or sell property
A beneficiary or executor passes away
You have a major financial change (inheritance, business success, etc.)

Tip: Set a reminder to review your will every 1-2 years.

Coaching Questions to Help You Get Started

What’s holding me back from creating my will? (Be honest with yourself.)
How will I feel once this is done? (Relief? Peace of mind?)
What’s the first small step I can take today to get started?
If I were gone tomorrow, who would be most affected by me not having a will?
What values do I want my will to reflect? (Generosity, fairness, family, etc.)
Who do I trust to carry out my wishes?
What’s one thing I’ve been meaning to do to protect my family financially—but haven’t yet?

The Bottom Line

Creating an online will isn’t as overwhelming as it seems. In fact, it’s probably one of the simplest (and kindest) things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.

It takes less time than binge-watching your favorite show.
It costs less than a fancy dinner out.
And the peace of mind? Priceless.

You’ve got this. Set a date. Take the first step. And just get it done.

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Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. The Financial Confidence Coach is not liable for actions taken based on this information.