Expat Will for Ontario Residents
If you are a Ontarian living abroad, an Expat Will ensures your Canadian assets in Ontario are distributed according to your wishes and the Succession Law Reform Act. Protect your property back home.
Ontario Legal Context
Expat Will Law in Ontario
Understanding the legal framework for your expat will in ON.
An Expat Will is designed for Ontarians living outside Canada who still own assets in Ontario. Under the Succession Law Reform Act, your Ontario will covers only your Canadian assets, allowing a separate will in your country of residence to handle foreign property without conflict.
Requirements
What You Need in Ontario
Key requirements for a valid expat will in ON.
- ✓Must have assets located in Ontario
- ✓Must be a Canadian citizen or have Canadian property interests
- ✓Will must comply with the Succession Law Reform Act
- ✓Two witnesses required who are not beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries
- ✓Should not conflict with wills in your country of residence
- ✓Consider including a clause limiting scope to Canadian assets only
How It Works
Create Your Expat Will in Ontario
A simple, guided process — done in minutes.
List Your Canadian Assets
Identify all property, bank accounts, investments, and other assets you own in Ontario that should be covered by your Expat Will.
Set Up Beneficiaries
Name who should inherit your Ontario assets. Our system ensures the will is scoped to Canadian property only.
Download Your Expat Will
Get your Ontario-compliant Expat Will as a PDF, ready to print, sign, and witness per the Succession Law Reform Act.
FAQ
Expat Will in Ontario — Common Questions
Why do I need an Expat Will if I already have a will abroad?
A foreign will may inadvertently revoke your Canadian will, or it may not be recognised for Ontario assets. An Expat Will is specifically scoped to your Canadian property and complies with the Succession Law Reform Act, preventing conflicts between jurisdictions.
What Ontario assets does an Expat Will cover?
An Expat Will can cover real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and any other property located in Ontario. It explicitly excludes assets in other countries, which should be covered by a separate will in your country of residence.
Do I need to return to Ontario to sign my Expat Will?
No. You can sign your Expat Will abroad. However, you must follow the witnessing rules of the Succession Law Reform Act: two witnesses required who are not beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries. Many expats have their will witnessed at a Canadian consulate or embassy.
What if my foreign will contradicts my Ontario Expat Will?
This is exactly why an Expat Will is important. Each will should contain a clause limiting its scope — your Expat Will to Ontario assets only, and your foreign will to foreign assets only. This prevents one will from revoking the other.
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Digital Vault
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Ready to create your expat will in Ontario?
Start now — create your legal documents online with Livewill.