Frequently Asked Questions

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 will soon be able to register their clients' wills on Onwills. This functionality is completely free for lawyers and will be available by the end of July 2025.

In the meantime, you can email us at support@onwills.ca to join our waitlist, and we'll notify you as soon as our will registry is available.‍

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.

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 $29 search fee is required to access the will registry. This fee maintains the registry and protects the security and privacy of all information.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario's Will Registry

OnWills is Ontario's will registration and will search service, with tens of thousands of wills in the system.