How to Get a Copy of a Will in Canada Online

You won’t believe how difficult it can be to track down a copy of a will in Canada — and how frustrating the process can be when you're in a time-sensitive situation, especially after the loss of a loved one. Imagine finding out there's a legal document that holds crucial information about your future and access to an inheritance, but you’re left in the dark. This scenario is all too common, and it can feel like navigating through a bureaucratic maze without a map.

But there’s hope. The good news is that you can get a copy of a will online in Canada, but not without understanding the nuances of the process, which vary by province and the type of will in question. In this article, I’m going to take you through the steps, shortcuts, and secrets — yes, there are ways to make this quicker — so that you’re fully prepared to obtain the document that could change everything for you.

First, Understand the Basics

To start with, there are different kinds of wills, and knowing which one you're dealing with is essential. In Canada, most wills fall into three categories:

1. Formal Wills – Written, signed, and witnessed.
2. Holographic Wills – Handwritten and signed without witnesses.
3. Notarial Wills – Specific to Quebec, prepared by a notary and stored publicly.

The good news: if the will has already gone through probate, it's technically a public document. But here’s where things get tricky. How do you get your hands on it?

Where to Start: Provincial Differences Matter

Canada is a vast country, and with that comes variation in processes depending on which province you’re in. While you can apply for a copy of a will in any Canadian province, each jurisdiction has its own specific rules regarding accessibility and the methods available for retrieval.

Here’s a quick guide to some key provinces:

Ontario

In Ontario, wills become public once they have gone through probate. To access one, you'll need to contact the courthouse in the county or district where probate was granted. The request can be made either in person or by mail, but if you want to speed up the process, many courthouses now allow you to search records online through the Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s website. Here’s the catch: you’ll likely need to pay a small fee to access the will.

British Columbia

In B.C., you can apply for a will search through the Vital Statistics Agency. The process is largely online, though you’ll need to provide documentation such as the deceased person’s death certificate and proof of your relationship to them. A key feature in British Columbia is that this online service allows you to confirm whether the will has been filed in the province. If it’s been filed, you can request a copy.

Quebec

Quebec has a completely different system due to its use of civil law. In this province, notarial wills are automatically registered and can be accessed relatively easily by contacting a notary or the Chambre des Notaires du Québec. You can submit your request online, and you’ll be guided through the steps to access the document, provided you have legal standing to request it.

Who Can Request a Copy?

In most provinces, only certain people are allowed to request a copy of a will. These typically include:

• The Executor of the estate
• Beneficiaries named in the will
• Next of kin if no will exists
• Creditors, but this is less common and requires a legal basis

Here’s a table to simplify the process by province:

Province	Online Access	Required Documents	Who Can Request?	Fees
Ontario	Yes (limited)	Probate documents	Executor, beneficiaries, next of kin	$7–$20 per document
British Columbia	Yes (through Vital Statistics)	Death certificate, proof of relationship	Executor, beneficiaries, next of kin	Varies
Quebec	Yes (Chambre des Notaires)	Notarial will registration info	Executor, notary, beneficiaries	Varies

The Frustration of Delays: What Happens When You Can’t Find It?

One of the biggest sources of frustration comes from delays. Not only are there standard waiting times for processing documents — often weeks to months — but there’s also the emotional strain of not having critical information at hand when you need it most.

What if you can’t find the will at all? Here’s where some detective work comes into play:

• Check with the Executor – The executor is responsible for managing the estate and may have the original or a copy of the will.
• Contact Law Firms – If the deceased used a lawyer to draft the will, the law firm may hold a copy.
• Will Registry Services – Some provinces, like British Columbia, have online will registries where people can voluntarily register their wills. These databases can be searched for a small fee.

How to Make the Process Easier: Tips and Hacks

1. Prepare Your Documents in advance: Having everything ready to go before you submit your request will save time.
2. Make Multiple Requests: In some cases, you might need to request the will from more than one institution (e.g., both the courthouse and the notary).
3. Follow Up Regularly: Don’t be afraid to call and check on the status of your request. Persistence pays off.
4. Seek Legal Help: If you run into roadblocks, a lawyer can expedite the process or even uncover documents you may have missed.

Can You Contest a Will Online?

Yes, in some cases, you can start the process of contesting a will online. Each province has its own rules, but generally, you must provide valid grounds, such as:

• Lack of mental capacity when the will was made.
• Undue influence or pressure on the person making the will.
• Improper execution of the will.

In provinces like Ontario, you can file a claim electronically through the provincial courts' e-filing systems. However, once the initial claim is made, expect the process to move offline quickly, as legal proceedings generally require in-person attendance.

Is Online Access the Future?

Given the increasing digitization of legal documents, it’s likely that more provinces will adopt comprehensive online systems to access wills in the future. In a post-pandemic world, where many services have shifted online, there’s a growing demand for quicker, more transparent processes in estate administration. That said, not all provinces are moving at the same speed, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in your area.

In the meantime, learning how to navigate the current system effectively can save you both time and stress.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Way Forward?

While getting a copy of a will in Canada online is possible, the process is far from straightforward. Your best bet is to understand the provincial differences, gather all necessary documentation ahead of time, and leverage online tools where available. Whether you’re an executor, a beneficiary, or simply trying to gain clarity on a family member’s estate, taking proactive steps will help you navigate this often confusing process.

The real takeaway? Be patient, but don’t be afraid to push the system. You’ll eventually get the document you need, but only if you know how to ask for it — and where to look.