Wills & Notary Services

Creating a Will might not be the most pleasant topic to think about, but it’s one of the most important documents you can have. A Will gives you control over what happens to your assets, your loved ones, and even your personal wishes after you pass away. Many people are unsure about whether a Notary Public can help with their Will — and the answer is yes, but with some important limitations.

Can a Notary Public Help With Wills?

In Ontario, a Notary Public cannot draft a Will for you unless they are also a licensed lawyer or paralegal. However, once you already have your Will prepared — whether it was done through a lawyer, an online service, or you’ve written it yourself — a Notary can still play an important role in the process.

Witnessing Your Will

One of the main ways a Notary can help is by witnessing the signing of your Will. Ontario law requires that a Will be signed in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries named in the Will. A Notary Public can act as one of those witnesses, and in some cases, they may also provide a second witness if you don’t have one. It’s essential that this step is done properly, as mistakes in witnessing could cause complications later when the Will is being used.

Understanding the Affidavit of Execution

Another important part of the process is the Affidavit of Execution. This is a sworn statement by one of the witnesses to your Will, confirming that they saw you sign it and that you appeared to be of sound mind. This affidavit is often required when your executor applies for probate — the legal process of administering your estate. A Notary Public can prepare and notarize this affidavit for you, ensuring that all paperwork is properly completed in advance.

Let Us Help You Get It Done Right

At Dodo Notary, we understand that dealing with Wills and estate matters can be overwhelming. That’s why we aim to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Whether you need help witnessing your Will, completing an Affidavit of Execution, or commissioning estate-related documents, we’re here to assist with care and professionalism.

Don’t leave your final wishes uncertain. Getting your Will signed and witnessed correctly gives you peace of mind, and more importantly, protects your loved ones in the future. If you're in Ontario and need notary services related to Wills, feel free to contact us or book an appointment online. We’re happy to guide you through every step.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can a Notary write my Will for me?

No, a Notary Public in Ontario cannot draft or prepare Wills unless they are also a licensed lawyer or paralegal. However, if you already have a Will, a Notary can assist with witnessing and notarizing related documents.

2. Do I need to notarize my Will for it to be valid in Ontario?

No, a Will does not need to be notarized to be legally valid in Ontario. It must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries. However, an Affidavit of Execution (which may need notarization) is often required during probate.

3. What is an Affidavit of Execution and why is it important?

An Affidavit of Execution is a sworn statement from one of the witnesses of your Will, confirming they saw you sign it. This document is usually needed when your executor applies for probate in Ontario. A Notary Public can help you prepare and notarize it.

4. How much does it cost to notarize a Will-related document?

Fees can vary depending on the Notary and the type of service. At Dodo Notary, we offer clear and affordable pricing, including notarization of Affidavits of Execution options.