Is signing by video legal in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario's rules for virtual signing, which began as a pandemic measure, were made permanent. They apply to both wills and powers of attorney. The main conditions are these:
- At least one of the witnesses must be a lawyer or paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.
- Everyone taking part must be able to see, hear and communicate with each other in real time.
- The signing must happen at the same time, and the paper copies that make up the will must be complete and identical.
- Wills still need real signatures on paper. Electronic wills and electronic signatures aren't allowed.
Rules like these can change, so we confirm the current requirements before every signing.
How it usually works
Every file is a little different, but a virtual signing usually follows these steps:
- You tell us about your family, assets and wishes by phone or video, and we explain your options.
- We draft your will and powers of attorney and send them for you to read. You can ask questions and request changes.
- We arrange a video signing with a lawyer or paralegal as one witness and a second witness. We explain beforehand what you need: a printer, a pen, a quiet room and a working camera.
- During the video call, you sign a paper copy while the witnesses watch, and the witnesses sign their copies. The signed copies together form the document.
- We tell you where to keep the originals and who should know where they are.
We'll walk you through the exact steps for your appointment, so you aren't guessing.
Who it works well for
- People who live outside the GTA, including in London, Ottawa, Kingston and northern Ontario
- Busy parents and shift workers who can't get to an office during the day
- Adult children arranging powers of attorney for a parent who finds travel hard
- Couples who want mirror wills and can sign together on one call
- Anyone who is more comfortable doing this at home
When we may ask you to meet in person
Video signing isn't right for every situation. A lawyer must be satisfied that you understand what you're signing and that no one is pressuring you. We may suggest meeting in person, or speaking with you on your own, when:
- A parent has memory problems and there are doubts about capacity
- Someone else is arranging the appointment and may be influencing the instructions
- The family situation is complicated, such as a second marriage with disputes
- The connection or the technology isn't reliable enough for the signing
In those cases, meeting in person protects you and protects your documents from being challenged later.
What it costs
Signing by video doesn't change our fees. They're the same as for an in-person appointment, and you'll see the details in the box above. We confirm your exact fee in writing before we start.
Where to keep your documents
Keep the original will somewhere safe and easy to find, such as a fireproof box or a safety deposit box. Make sure your executor knows where it is, because a safety deposit box can be hard to open after someone dies. Give copies of your powers of attorney to the people you've named, and keep the originals where they can be reached quickly.
Talk to a wills and power of attorney lawyer in Mississauga
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A 4-page Ontario guide to what to decide, who can witness, and what to bring to your will and power of attorney appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print anything?
Usually yes. Ontario wills need ink signatures on paper. We'll explain beforehand exactly what to print and how many copies you need.
How much does a will and power of attorney cost?
Our fee for a simple will and both powers of attorney generally ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 plus HST and disbursements for a straightforward situation, and up to $3,000 plus HST and disbursements for more complex matters involving tax planning or planning to reduce estate administration tax (probate fees). We confirm your exact fee in writing before any work begins, and that's the fee you pay.
Who can be my witnesses on a video signing?
You need two witnesses, and at least one must be a lawyer or paralegal licensed in Ontario. We can arrange the licensed witness. For a power of attorney, certain people can't witness, including your spouse or partner, your children and the attorney you're naming.
Can my spouse and I sign our wills on the same call?
Often, yes. Couples commonly sign mirror wills in the same session. Each person signs their own will.
Can I sign by video if I live outside Ontario?
We practise Ontario law, and the signing rules we rely on are Ontario's. If you live elsewhere, call us and we'll tell you whether we can help or whether you need advice where you live.
Is a video-signed will as valid as one signed in person?
Yes, if the Ontario requirements are followed, including a licensed witness and signing in real time. That's why we confirm the rules before each signing.
Do you handle probate or estate administration?
No. We prepare wills and powers of attorney. We don't handle probate applications or estate administration.
Can we meet in Urdu, Hindi or Punjabi?
Yes. We meet clients in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.
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This page is general information about Ontario law, not legal advice, and reading it doesn't create a lawyer–client relationship. Laws change, so please speak with us about your situation. Read our full disclaimer.