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How it works
FAQ
Contact
Search for a will
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Onwills, Ontario's Will Registry.
Find a will
Ontario's Will Registry
OnWills is Ontario's will registration and will search service, with tens of thousands of wills in the system.
Find a will
How it works
What is Onwills ?
Onwills is an Ontario-wide will registry with a database that maintains records of registered wills across Ontario, making it easier for beneficiaries and executors to locate wills when needed.
Onwills was created by estate lawyers, Ian Hull and Jordan Atin and is part of the eState Network, which also includes eState Planner—a participant in the Law Society of Ontario's Access to Innovation Program.
Can lawyers register their clients' wills? And is there a fee to register wills?
Yes, lawyers can register their clients' wills on Onwills. This functionality is free for lawyers and can be done by
visiting this page
.
What's the value of searching the Ontario will registry?
Submitting a search query to Onwills, Ontario's will registry, is essential for finding a will. Without searching, you may not have taken the necessary steps to determine whether the deceased truly had no will or even if the will you did find is the latest will.
Our system compares your search against all wills registered in Onwills. We then provide you with a Search Certificate, evidence that confirms you took steps to search for a will. Obtaining a search certificate is an essential step in the probate process to demonstrate to the court that you've conducted a will search.
If there is a match, how long should I expect to wait for a response?
Once a match is identified, firms generally reach out within 30 days. While timelines can vary depending on the firm’s process and capacity, most responses are received well within this window. If you haven’t heard back after 30 days, it’s reasonable to assume the firm has chosen not to move forward.
What should I do if the deceased went by multiple names?
When entering willmaker information into the system, you can include any known aliases or alternate names in addition to the person’s legal first and last name. This helps ensure the search is as thorough as possible and increases the chance of finding a match.
If there is a match, does it guarantee a response?
Not necessarily. A match in the system means there is a potential connection, but it does not guarantee direct contact. In some cases, lawyers may only be able to reach out if you are an eligible heir or family member. There may also be legal or procedural limitations that prevent contact, even when a match exists.
If there is no match, does it mean the deceased didn’t have a will?
No. It does not necessarily mean the deceased did not have a will. Our database is limited to participating records, so it’s possible that the will exists elsewhere and is not yet included in our system.
Who can search for a will?
Onwills accepts search queries from all interested parties. Upon submission, searchers receive an official Search Certificate documenting their inquiry. Should a law firm possess a matching will, they may initiate contact with eligible searchers in accordance with confidentiality protocols.
How do we use personal information?
Personal information is generally collected directly from you when you engage with our services.
We use your personal information to:
- Deliver and manage our will registration and search services;
- Establish and maintain customer relationships;
- Communicate with you and evaluate service satisfaction;
- Inform you of service updates and new offerings, unless you opt out.
Is there a fee to search the registry?
A $49 search fee is required to access the will registry. This fee helps maintain the registry and ensures the security and privacy of all information. Please note that the fee applies regardless of search results and does not guarantee that a will matching your search criteria will be found.
Can the Onwills team see if there's a match to my search criteria?
Our team can only confirm that a search has been submitted. For privacy reasons, our team does not have access to the Onwills will database and cannot confirm whether a will search matches any of our records.
How do I search for a will?
You can search for a will by providing the full name, date of birth, and date of death of the deceased. Additional identification may be required to access will information.
Who can use Onwills' services?
To use Onwills, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Have legal capacity to enter into contracts;
- Provide accurate and complete information;
- Ensure that any data you submit is correct and authorized.
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