Common Will Mistakes Canadians Should Avoid

Even the best intentions can go wrong if your Will is unclear, outdated, or improperly executed. For step-by-step help with drafting and signing, see our Complete Canadian Will Guide.

Top Mistakes

• Not updating after major life events: marriage, divorce, children, deaths.
• No alternate executor: causes court delays if the primary can’t serve.
• No residue clause: leaves unlisted assets to default intestacy rules.
• Wrong witnesses: a beneficiary (or spouse) should never witness.
• Forgetting digital assets: include online accounts, crypto, and key files.
• Poor storage: if the original can’t be found, your Will may be treated as invalid.
• Handwritten Wills without legal structure: easy to misread or contest.