Legalwills.ca Review

Based on checking the website Legalwills.ca, it appears to be a platform offering online will and estate planning services for Canadians. While the concept of planning one’s estate is generally advisable, especially from an Islamic perspective to ensure proper distribution of assets according to Sharia principles, a thorough review of Legalwills.ca reveals some areas that could be improved upon for a truly comprehensive and ethically sound service. The website itself is straightforward, but the nuances of estate planning, particularly for those adhering to specific religious guidelines, require a deeper dive.

Overall Review Summary:

• Service Provided: Online Wills, Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Executors, and Digital Vault.
• Ease of Use: Appears user-friendly with step-by-step guidance.
• Legal Compliance: Claims to be legally binding in all Canadian provinces and territories.
• Customization: Offers options for specific requests, but flexibility for complex religious requirements may be limited.
• Customer Support: Appears to offer support, but the depth of guidance for complex Islamic estate planning scenarios isn’t explicitly clear.
• Pricing: Competitive, but transparency on all potential costs could be more prominent.
• Islamic Ethical Considerations: The platform does not explicitly cater to Islamic inheritance laws (Fara’id), which are crucial for Muslim individuals. Without specific provisions or guidance for Sharia-compliant wills, individuals may inadvertently draft a will that conflicts with Islamic principles.

For Muslims, the distribution of inheritance is a religious obligation, governed by specific rules laid out in the Quran and Sunnah. A standard legal will, while addressing Canadian legal requirements, might not fully align with these intricate Islamic principles. Therefore, while Legalwills.ca offers a convenient service, it falls short in providing the specialized guidance and tools necessary for creating an Islamic will. Relying solely on such a platform without additional expert advice tailored to Islamic inheritance could lead to unintended consequences regarding the distribution of one’s estate according to Sharia.

Best Alternatives for Comprehensive Estate Planning (especially for Muslims):

• Al-Wasiyyah (Islamic Will Kit):

  

  • Key Features: Specifically designed for Muslims to draft Sharia-compliant wills, often includes templates, guidance on Fara’id (Islamic inheritance laws), and explanations of specific terminology. Some kits may also include guidance on charitable bequests (waqf) and debt settlement according to Islamic principles.
  • Average Price: Varies, typically CAD $50-$150.
  • Pros: Directly addresses Islamic inheritance requirements, provides peace of mind for Muslims, often comes with explanatory guides.
  • Cons: Requires careful self-completion, may need legal review by a lawyer familiar with both Canadian law and Islamic law for complex estates.

• Canadian Estate Planning Guide:

  • Key Features: Comprehensive books or guides that cover all aspects of estate planning in Canada, including wills, powers of attorney, and trusts. They provide general legal information and strategies.
  • Average Price: CAD $20-$70.
  • Pros: Provides a solid general understanding of Canadian estate law, useful for preliminary research.
  • Cons: Not specific to Islamic inheritance, still requires professional legal advice for personalized planning, especially for Muslims.

• Legal Document Templates (General):

  • Key Features: Generic templates for various legal documents, including wills, available for purchase. These are broad and can be adapted.
  • Average Price: CAD $10-$40 for a collection.
  • Pros: Very affordable, provides a basic framework.
  • Cons: Lacks specific legal or Islamic guidance, highly susceptible to errors if not customized by a professional, not ideal for complex situations.

• Lawyer for Estate Planning:

  • Key Features: Direct consultation with a lawyer specializing in estate planning. They can draft custom wills, provide legal advice, and ensure compliance with both Canadian law and, if specialized, Islamic law.
  • Average Price: Varies widely, typically CAD $500-$2000+ depending on complexity.
  • Pros: Personalized, legally sound, professional advice, can incorporate complex instructions like Islamic inheritance.
  • Cons: Most expensive option, requires more time and effort for consultations.

• Financial Planning Software:

  • Key Features: Software that helps organize financial assets, debts, and can sometimes integrate with estate planning modules. These are more focused on the financial inventory side.
  • Average Price: CAD $50-$200 (annual subscription or one-time purchase).
  • Pros: Excellent for financial organization, can help in asset inventory for estate planning.
  • Cons: Not a substitute for legal will drafting, does not address Islamic inheritance specifics, primarily a financial tool.

• Power of Attorney Kit:

  • Key Features: Kits specifically for drafting Power of Attorney documents, covering financial and personal care decisions.
  • Average Price: CAD $20-$60.
  • Pros: Addresses a crucial aspect of estate planning independently, generally simpler than a full will.
  • Cons: Only covers Power of Attorney, not a comprehensive estate plan, may still benefit from legal review.

• Digital Legacy Planning Guide:

  • Key Features: Focuses on organizing and planning for digital assets (online accounts, cryptocurrencies, digital photos, etc.) after death.
  • Average Price: CAD $15-$40.
  • Pros: Addresses an increasingly important aspect of modern estate planning, helps prevent digital assets from being lost.
  • Cons: Not a legal will substitute, does not cover physical assets or traditional inheritance.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Legalwills.ca Review & First Look

Based on an initial review of Legalwills.ca, the platform presents itself as a user-friendly and accessible online service for creating legal documents such as wills and powers of attorney in Canada. The website’s clean interface and clear navigation suggest an emphasis on simplifying what can often be a complex and intimidating process for many individuals. They highlight convenience and affordability as key benefits, aiming to make estate planning less daunting.

What Legalwills.ca Offers at a Glance

Legalwills.ca primarily focuses on providing a suite of online tools for drafting essential estate planning documents. This includes:

• Last Will and Testament: Allows users to create a legally binding will that outlines how their assets will be distributed.
• Power of Attorney: Provides the ability to designate someone to manage financial or personal care decisions on your behalf.
• Living Will (Personal Directive): Enables individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in advance.
• Expat Will: A specialized service for Canadians living abroad.
• Digital Vault: A secure online storage for important documents and instructions for digital assets.

The platform emphasizes that their documents are valid across all Canadian provinces and territories, adhering to the legal requirements for each jurisdiction. This national applicability is a significant selling point, as provincial laws can differ.

Initial Impressions on User Experience

The user experience appears to be a strong point for Legalwills.ca. The site guides users through a series of questions, much like an interactive questionnaire, to gather the necessary information for document creation. This step-by-step approach is designed to demystify the legal jargon and simplify the decision-making process. The general impression is that the platform is built for the average Canadian who seeks a straightforward and affordable way to prepare their basic estate documents without the traditional complexities and costs associated with visiting a lawyer. However, for those with specific religious or complex financial situations, this simplified approach may not be sufficient without external consultation.

Legalwills.ca Pros & Cons

When evaluating any online service, it’s essential to weigh its advantages against its limitations. Legalwills.ca offers several benefits, particularly for individuals seeking a cost-effective and convenient way to handle their basic estate planning needs. However, it also comes with certain drawbacks, especially when considering more intricate or specific requirements, such as those related to Islamic inheritance laws.

Advantages of Using Legalwills.ca

• Affordability: One of the most significant advantages is the cost savings compared to traditional legal services. According to data from various consumer reports and legal aid societies, a standard will drafted by a lawyer in Canada can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, while Legalwills.ca offers packages for a fraction of that price. For instance, a single will might cost around $39.95, or a package including a will, power of attorney, and living will for around $79.95. This makes estate planning accessible to a broader demographic.
• Convenience: The platform operates entirely online, allowing users to create or update their documents from anywhere, at any time. This eliminates the need for appointments, travel, and the often lengthy processes associated with traditional law firms. Users can complete their documents at their own pace, pausing and resuming as needed.
• User-Friendly Interface: The guided questionnaire format simplifies the process, breaking down complex legal requirements into easy-to-understand questions. This approach helps users navigate through the creation of their documents without needing prior legal knowledge.
• Accessibility: Legalwills.ca makes essential legal documents accessible to individuals who might otherwise defer or avoid estate planning due to perceived high costs or complexity. As of 2021, a significant portion of Canadians (over 50% according to some surveys) still do not have a valid will, and services like Legalwills.ca aim to address this gap.
• Updates and Storage: Many packages include options for free updates to your will for a specified period (e.g., 1 year or lifetime) and secure online storage of your documents in their “Digital Vault,” providing peace of mind.

Limitations and Disadvantages of Legalwills.ca

• Lack of Personalised Legal Advice: While convenient, online will services cannot replicate the personalized legal advice provided by a qualified lawyer. A lawyer can assess unique family situations, complex assets, potential tax implications, and specific provincial nuances that an automated system might overlook. According to a 2023 report by the Canadian Bar Association, online templates, while useful for basic needs, may not adequately address complex scenarios such as blended families, special needs beneficiaries, or significant business holdings.
• Limited Customization for Complex Estates: For individuals with substantial assets, intricate financial structures, or specific wishes that deviate from standard templates, Legalwills.ca may not offer sufficient customization. This includes situations involving trusts, complex charitable donations, or international assets.
• No Guidance on Islamic Inheritance (Fara’id): This is a significant drawback for Muslim users. Islamic inheritance laws (Fara’id) are highly specific and are derived directly from the Quran and Sunnah, outlining precise shares for various heirs. Legalwills.ca, being a general Canadian legal platform, does not incorporate these specific religious requirements. Drafting a will through their service without additional Sharia-compliant guidance could lead to a document that, while legally valid in Canada, might contradict Islamic principles of inheritance. This necessitates seeking separate, specialized advice from an Islamic scholar or a lawyer proficient in both Canadian and Islamic family law.
• Reliance on User Input Accuracy: The quality and effectiveness of the generated documents depend entirely on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by the user. Any misunderstanding or oversight on the user’s part can lead to errors in the final document, which may only become apparent after the user’s passing.
• Execution Requirements: While the document is drafted online, it still requires proper physical execution (printing, signing, and witnessing according to provincial laws) to be legally binding. Legalwills.ca provides instructions, but the responsibility for proper execution lies entirely with the user. Failure to follow these instructions precisely can invalidate the will. For example, in Ontario, a will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign in the testator’s presence, and these witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or their spouses.

Legalwills.ca vs. Willful vs. Other Online Will Services

When exploring online will services in Canada, Legalwills.ca is often compared to other prominent platforms like Willful. While they share similarities in their core offering – providing accessible online will creation – there are distinctions in their features, pricing, and overall user experience that might appeal to different users.

Legalwills.ca vs. Willful

Legalwills.ca:

• Strengths: Often lauded for its longevity in the market (established in 2000), comprehensive document offerings (including expat wills and digital vaults), and competitive pricing, especially for multi-document packages. Its questionnaire-based system is thorough.
• Pricing: Generally offers lower price points for individual documents and multi-document bundles. For example, a single will might be around $39.95, while a package with a will and two powers of attorney could be around $79.95. They also offer lifetime update options.
• Target Audience: Appeals to users who want a robust, no-frills online solution with a wide range of document types and are comfortable with a more detailed questionnaire.

Willful: Canspace.ca Review

• Strengths: Known for its highly intuitive, modern interface and simplified language. Willful aims to make the process as straightforward and quick as possible, appealing to younger demographics or those new to estate planning. They also offer a “Family Plan” for multiple individuals.
• Pricing: Slightly higher price point than Legalwills.ca for basic documents, but offers good value for family plans. A basic will might start around $99, with full plans (including Powers of Attorney) around $189. They typically include one year of free updates.
• Target Audience: Best for users seeking a highly streamlined, visually appealing experience, who may have simpler estate needs and prioritize ease of use above all else.

Other Notable Online Will Services in Canada

• Epilogue Wills: This service is founded by former estate lawyers and aims to bridge the gap between DIY online wills and traditional legal services. They focus on clear language, robust legal backing, and excellent customer support. Epilogue often has slightly higher pricing than Legalwills.ca but offers a perceived higher level of expertise and support.
• LawDepot: While not exclusively a will service, LawDepot offers a vast library of legal document templates, including wills, on a subscription basis or per-document purchase. It’s a general legal document platform rather than a specialist estate planning service. Its main appeal is the breadth of documents available.
• Canadian Legal Wills (Note: This is a different entity from Legalwills.ca, despite the similar name): This is another online option, often competing on price. It offers similar services but might have a less polished interface or fewer additional features compared to the market leaders.

Key Differentiators to Consider

When choosing between these services, consider the following:

• Complexity of Your Estate: For very simple estates (e.g., single person, few assets, direct beneficiaries), most services are adequate. For complex scenarios (blended families, special needs trusts, business assets), even the best online service might necessitate a lawyer.
• User Interface Preference: Do you prefer a highly guided, modern interface (Willful) or a more detailed, traditional questionnaire (Legalwills.ca)?
• Pricing Model: Are you looking for the absolute lowest price, a package deal, or a subscription that includes updates?
• Specific Document Needs: Do you need more than just a will, such as powers of attorney, living wills, or digital asset planning?
• Customer Support: How important is accessible customer support and legal guidance (even if limited to general information)?
• Islamic Compliance: Crucially, none of these mainstream online services are inherently designed to facilitate Sharia-compliant wills. Muslim users will need to supplement these services with specific guidance from an Islamic scholar or a lawyer specializing in Islamic inheritance law to ensure their will aligns with Fara’id. This often means including specific clauses or a separate declaration that ensures adherence to Islamic distribution principles alongside the legally recognized Canadian will.

Ultimately, the best online will service depends on individual needs, budget, and the complexity of one’s estate. For basic estate planning, Legalwills.ca remains a strong, cost-effective contender, but for specialized needs like Islamic inheritance, external, tailored advice is indispensable.

Understanding Legalwills.ca Pricing and Packages

Legalwills.ca operates on a transparent pricing model, offering various packages designed to cater to different levels of estate planning needs. This tiered approach allows users to select the most suitable option based on their requirements and budget, providing a significant cost advantage over traditional legal services.

Core Pricing Structure

Legalwills.ca typically offers its services on a per-document or package basis, with discounts for bundling multiple documents. While specific prices can vary and promotions may be active, here’s a general breakdown:

• Last Will and Testament: A standalone will is often the most basic offering, priced individually. Historically, this could range from CAD $39.95 to $60.
• Power of Attorney (Financial and/or Personal Care): These documents, which designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, are often sold separately or as part of a package. Individual Power of Attorney documents might cost around CAD $29.95 to $40 each.
• Living Will (Personal Directive): This document outlines your medical treatment wishes and is also typically offered individually or as part of a bundle, with a similar price point to a Power of Attorney.
• Mirror Wills: For couples, Legalwills.ca offers “Mirror Wills” packages, where two wills (and often two sets of Powers of Attorney) are created with largely identical provisions, reflecting the wishes of both partners. These are generally more cost-effective than purchasing two individual sets of documents.

Package Deals and Bundles

The most popular options on Legalwills.ca are often their bundled packages, which provide more comprehensive coverage at a reduced overall cost. Examples of such packages include:

• Will + Power of Attorney + Living Will: A common comprehensive package for a single individual, often priced around CAD $79.95 to $99.95. This bundle covers the three main estate planning documents most Canadians require.
• Family Plans/Couple’s Plans: These packages cater to couples and often include two wills, two financial powers of attorney, and two personal care powers of attorney. Pricing for such comprehensive plans might range from CAD $129.95 to $199.95, offering significant savings compared to buying individual documents for both partners.
• Digital Vault: Some packages include access to the “Digital Vault,” a secure online storage service for important documents and instructions for digital assets. This feature might be included for free in premium packages or available as an add-on.

Lifetime Updates and Ongoing Costs

Legalwills.ca often provides options for free updates to your documents for a specific period (e.g., one year) or even lifetime updates for an additional fee or as part of certain premium packages. This is a valuable feature, as estate plans should ideally be reviewed and updated every few years, or after significant life events (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of a child, major asset changes). If lifetime updates are not included, future modifications might incur a small fee.

Comparison to Traditional Legal Fees

The primary appeal of Legalwills.ca’s pricing model is its affordability relative to hiring a lawyer. According to data from the Canadian Bar Association and independent legal surveys, even a simple will prepared by a lawyer can cost between $300 and $700, with more complex estates easily reaching $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Online services, by contrast, allow individuals to complete their basic estate planning for less than $100 in many cases.

This cost-effectiveness makes Legalwills.ca an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals or those with straightforward estate needs. However, it’s crucial for users to understand that while the pricing is transparent for the document creation, the service does not include personalized legal advice, which can be invaluable for complex scenarios or for ensuring compliance with specific religious laws like Islamic inheritance. For Muslims, the cost savings on the will itself might be offset by the need to consult a separate specialist for Sharia-compliant guidance.

Legalwills.ca Reviews and Complaints

Understanding public sentiment and common issues is crucial for any service review. Legalwills.ca, being a long-standing player in the online will market, has accumulated a significant number of reviews, both positive and negative, across various platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Reddit.

Positive Feedback Highlights

Many users praise Legalwills.ca for its:

• Ease of Use: This is consistently highlighted as a major benefit. Users appreciate the guided questionnaire format, which simplifies the process of creating legal documents. This is evident in comments like, “The step-by-step process made it very easy to understand” or “I found the entire process straightforward and quick.”
• Affordability: The cost-effectiveness compared to traditional lawyers is a recurring theme. Users often express satisfaction with being able to create essential legal documents without incurring significant legal fees. Comments such as, “Great value for the price” and “Saved me hundreds of dollars” are common.
• Accessibility: For those in remote areas or with mobility challenges, the ability to complete documents online from home is highly valued.
• Customer Service (for some users): While not universal, some users report positive experiences with customer support, citing helpful and responsive interactions when they encountered questions about the platform’s functionality.

On platforms like Trustpilot, Legalwills.ca often maintains a “Good” or “Excellent” rating, with a significant percentage of 4 and 5-star reviews. For instance, as of mid-2023, it might have an average rating of 4.5/5 stars based on several hundred reviews.

Common Complaints and Criticisms

Despite the positive feedback, Legalwills.ca also faces its share of complaints, which often revolve around:

• Lack of Personalised Legal Advice: This is the most frequent and significant criticism. Users sometimes realize mid-process or after completion that they needed more nuanced advice than the platform could provide. Examples include complex family situations (e.g., blended families, dependents with special needs), specific tax implications, or intricate asset distribution. Some users lament not having a lawyer to guide them through complex scenarios, leading to uncertainty about the validity or efficacy of their will in specific circumstances.
• Generic Nature of Documents: While legally valid, the documents are based on templates. For unique situations, they might feel too generic. Users sometimes wish for more flexibility to add highly specific clauses or conditions that go beyond the standard options.
• Post-Purchase Support/Clarifications: While some praise customer service, others report that support is limited to technical issues with the platform itself rather than offering legal interpretations or advice on specific clauses. This can be frustrating for users seeking clarity on complex legal concepts.
• Execution Errors: A portion of complaints isn’t directly related to Legalwills.ca’s platform but rather to users making mistakes during the crucial step of printing, signing, and witnessing the document. If these steps are not followed precisely according to provincial law, the will can be invalidated. Users sometimes express a wish for clearer, more emphatic instructions or even a verification service for this final step.
• Renewal/Update Costs: While some packages offer lifetime updates, others require renewal fees for ongoing access or modifications. Some users are surprised by these recurring costs if they didn’t fully read the terms of their initial purchase.

Reddit Discussions

Discussions on Reddit (e.g., in subreddits like r/PersonalFinanceCanada or r/legaladvicecanada) often echo these sentiments. Users frequently ask about the legitimacy of Legalwills.ca and other online services, and the advice consistently highlights:

• Online wills are generally suitable for simple estates.
• For complex estates, or if there’s any doubt, consulting a lawyer is highly recommended.
• The importance of correct physical execution (signing and witnessing) is stressed repeatedly.
• Concerns about Islamic inheritance laws are also occasionally raised, with users confirming that a standard online will does not automatically cater to Fara’id and separate guidance is needed.

In summary, Legalwills.ca is generally well-regarded for its convenience and cost-effectiveness for basic estate planning. However, its limitations regarding personalized legal advice and customization for complex or religiously specific needs (like Islamic inheritance) are common points of criticism. Potential users should carefully assess their individual circumstances before relying solely on an online service.

How to Cancel Legalwills.ca Subscription

Understanding how to manage your Legalwills.ca account, including cancellation of any subscription or recurring services, is an important aspect of using the platform. While the primary product is often a one-time document purchase, some services, like ongoing document storage or update plans, may involve recurring fees.

Identifying Subscription Services

First, it’s essential to identify whether you actually have a “subscription” with Legalwills.ca. Many users purchase their documents (will, power of attorney, etc.) as a one-time transaction. However, services that might incur ongoing fees or require cancellation typically include:

• Annual Access/Update Plans: Some packages might include a year of free updates, with an option to extend this annually for a fee.
• Digital Vault/Storage Services: While often included in initial purchases for a period, continued access to advanced features or secure document storage might require a recurring subscription.
• Ongoing Monitoring Services (less common): Though not a prominent feature, some online legal platforms offer optional services that might have recurring costs.

Steps to Cancel a Legalwills.ca Subscription or Recurring Service

Legalwills.ca generally aims to make cancellation straightforward, but the exact process can depend on the specific service you wish to cancel. Here are the typical steps:

1. Log In to Your Account: The first step is always to log into your Legalwills.ca account using your registered email address and password.
2. Navigate to Account Settings or Billing: Once logged in, look for sections like “My Account,” “Settings,” “Billing Information,” “Subscriptions,” or “Manage My Plan.” These sections usually contain details about your active services and payment information.
3. Locate the Service to Cancel: Within the billing or subscription management area, you should see a list of any active recurring services. Identify the specific service you wish to terminate.
4. Initiate Cancellation: There should be a clear option to “Cancel Subscription,” “Disable Auto-Renewal,” or similar. Click on this option. You may be prompted to confirm your decision or provide a reason for cancellation.
5. Confirmation: After initiating the cancellation, check for a confirmation message on the screen or an email from Legalwills.ca confirming that your subscription has been cancelled and that no further charges will be applied. It’s wise to keep this confirmation for your records.

What if You Can’t Find the Option?

If you are unable to locate the cancellation option within your account settings, or if you encounter any issues, your next step should be to contact Legalwills.ca customer support directly.

• Contact Customer Support: Look for their “Contact Us” page, which typically provides information on how to reach them via email, a contact form, or sometimes phone.
• Provide Account Details: When contacting support, be prepared to provide your account details (registered email, name, and possibly transaction IDs) to help them locate your account and assist you.
• Be Specific: Clearly state that you wish to cancel a specific recurring service or auto-renewal.

Important Considerations After Cancellation

• Access to Documents: Understand what happens to your documents after cancellation. If you cancel a Digital Vault subscription, will your documents still be accessible for a grace period, or will they be removed immediately? It’s always advisable to download and securely store copies of all your completed documents (Will, Power of Attorney, etc.) on your personal devices or in a safe physical location before cancelling any service that provides online storage.
• Updates: If you cancel an annual update plan, you will likely lose the ability to make free modifications to your documents through the platform. Future updates might require purchasing a new document or plan.
• Refund Policy: Review Legalwills.ca’s refund policy, typically found in their Terms of Service. Most online legal services have specific refund guidelines, especially for subscription services.

By following these steps and being proactive about managing your account, you can effectively cancel any unwanted recurring services with Legalwills.ca.

How to Cancel Legalwills.ca Free Trial

While Legalwills.ca primarily operates on a direct purchase model for its documents, it may occasionally offer promotional free trials for specific features or new services. If you’ve signed up for such a trial and wish to avoid any charges, it’s crucial to understand how to cancel before the trial period ends.

Understanding the Free Trial Terms

Before initiating a cancellation, it’s vital to:

1. Review the Offer Details: When you signed up for the free trial, there would have been specific terms and conditions. These usually state the duration of the trial (e.g., 7 days, 14 days, 30 days) and explicitly mention what happens at the end of the trial (e.g., automatic conversion to a paid subscription, or expiration).
2. Note the Deadline: Mark your calendar with the exact date and time the free trial ends. To avoid charges, you must cancel before this deadline.
3. Check What’s Included: Understand which specific service or feature the free trial grants access to, as this will guide you in the cancellation process.

General Steps to Cancel a Free Trial

The process for cancelling a free trial on Legalwills.ca would generally mirror the cancellation of a regular subscription, as outlined in the previous section. Here’s a refined version tailored for a free trial:

1. Log In to Your Legalwills.ca Account: Access your account using the credentials you used to sign up for the trial. This is usually your email address and password.
2. Navigate to Account/Billing/Subscription Settings: Once logged in, look for a section that manages your account, billing, or subscriptions. This might be labelled “My Account,” “Settings,” “Billing Information,” or “Manage My Plan.”
3. Locate the Free Trial: Within this section, you should see an indication of your active free trial. It might specify the trial’s name and the remaining time.
4. Find the Cancellation Option: There should be a clear button or link to “Cancel Trial,” “End Trial,” or “Disable Auto-Renewal.” Click this option. The intent is to prevent the trial from automatically converting into a paid subscription.
5. Confirm Your Cancellation: The system may ask for confirmation or a reason for cancellation. Complete these steps.
6. Verify Cancellation: After successfully completing the process, look for a confirmation message on the screen stating that your trial has been cancelled. Additionally, check your email inbox for a confirmation email from Legalwills.ca. This email is your proof of cancellation and should be saved.

What to Do if You’re Charged After Cancellation

If you believe you cancelled your free trial on time but were still charged, take the following steps:

1. Gather Evidence: Collect any confirmation emails of your cancellation, screenshots of the cancellation process, or records of when you initiated the cancellation.
2. Contact Legalwills.ca Customer Support: Immediately reach out to their customer support team. Explain the situation clearly, providing your account details, the date and time of your cancellation, and any evidence you have. Request a refund for the charge.
3. Dispute with Your Bank/Credit Card Company (as a last resort): If Legalwills.ca’s customer support is unresponsive or refuses to issue a refund, you may need to contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge. Provide them with all your evidence of cancellation.

By being proactive and following these steps, you can effectively manage and cancel any free trials on Legalwills.ca to avoid unwanted charges. Always prioritize downloading any documents you created during the trial period before cancelling, as access may be revoked upon termination.

Legalwills.ca Login and Account Management

Managing your Legalwills.ca account, including logging in, updating personal information, and accessing your documents, is a fundamental part of using the service. The platform is designed for self-service, so understanding these functions is key.

The Login Process

Accessing your Legalwills.ca account is straightforward:

1. Visit the Website: Go to the official Legalwills.ca homepage.
2. Locate the Login Button: Typically, there will be a clearly visible “Login” or “Sign In” button located in the top right corner of the website.
3. Enter Credentials: Click the login button and you’ll be directed to a page where you need to enter your registered email address and password.
4. Two-Factor Authentication (if enabled): For enhanced security, Legalwills.ca may offer or require two-factor authentication (2FA). If enabled, after entering your password, you might receive a verification code on your phone or email, which you’ll need to enter to complete the login.
5. Access Dashboard: Upon successful login, you’ll be directed to your personal dashboard or account area, where you can manage your documents and profile.

Common Login Issues and Solutions

• Forgot Password: If you forget your password, there’s usually a “Forgot Password?” or “Reset Password” link on the login page. Click this, enter your registered email, and follow the instructions sent to your email to set a new password.
• Incorrect Email/Password: Double-check that you are entering the correct email address and password. Passwords are case-sensitive.
• Browser Issues: Sometimes, browser cache or cookies can cause login problems. Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, or try logging in from a different browser or in incognito/private mode.
• Account Lockout: If you attempt to log in unsuccessfully too many times, your account might be temporarily locked for security reasons. Wait for a specified period (e.g., 15-30 minutes) before trying again, or contact customer support if the issue persists.

Account Management Features

Once logged in, your Legalwills.ca dashboard provides access to various account management features:

• Accessing/Editing Documents: You can view, download, and make edits to your existing wills, powers of attorney, and other documents if your plan includes updates. This is where you would revisit a document to make changes after a life event.
• Personal Information: Update your contact details, address, email, and other personal information.
• Billing and Payment Information: View your past purchases, manage any active subscriptions, and update your payment methods.
• Digital Vault: If you have access to the Digital Vault feature, this section allows you to upload and manage other important documents and leave instructions for your digital assets.
• Security Settings: Manage your password, enable/disable two-factor authentication, and review recent login activity.
• Customer Support Access: Often, there’s a direct link to contact customer support from within your account dashboard.

Importance of Regular Account Review

It’s advisable to log into your Legalwills.ca account periodically, even if you don’t anticipate making changes to your will. This allows you to:

• Review your documents: Ensure they still reflect your wishes and current circumstances.
• Check for updates: See if any new features or recommendations from Legalwills.ca are available.
• Verify account security: Ensure your login information is secure and update your password regularly.
• Understand subscription status: Confirm whether any recurring charges are active or upcoming.

Proper account management ensures that your estate planning documents remain accurate and accessible, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Legalwills.ca Alternatives

While Legalwills.ca offers a convenient and affordable solution for basic estate planning, it’s crucial to explore alternatives, especially for individuals with unique needs, complex estates, or specific religious requirements. For Muslims, the most significant gap in standard online will services like Legalwills.ca is the lack of explicit integration with Islamic inheritance laws (Fara’id). Therefore, alternatives that provide more tailored guidance or professional oversight are often preferred.

1. Traditional Estate Planning Lawyers

• Description: The most comprehensive alternative involves hiring a qualified lawyer specializing in estate planning.
• Pros:
  • Personalized Advice: Lawyers provide one-on-one consultation, allowing for a deep understanding of your unique family dynamics, assets, and liabilities.
  • Complex Estate Handling: Equipped to manage complex situations like blended families, special needs trusts, business succession, international assets, and significant tax planning.
  • Sharia Compliance: A lawyer with expertise in both Canadian law and Islamic family law can draft a will that is legally binding in Canada and fully compliant with Fara’id, ensuring assets are distributed according to Islamic principles. This often involves specific clauses or parallel documents to address the religious requirements.
  • Error Prevention: Minimizes the risk of errors or ambiguities that could lead to disputes.
  • Guidance on Execution: Provides clear instructions and sometimes even witness services for the proper signing and witnessing of the will.
• Cons:
  • Cost: Significantly more expensive than online services (ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars).
  • Time-Consuming: Requires appointments and can involve multiple meetings.
• Best For: Individuals with complex estates, those seeking comprehensive legal advice, or Muslims who need a Sharia-compliant will.

2. Islamic Will Kits and Resources

• Description: These are specialized kits or guides designed to help Muslims draft wills that adhere to Islamic inheritance laws while also being legally valid in Canada. They often include templates, explanations of Fara’id, and guidance on how to structure charitable bequests (waqf) and debts.
• Pros:
  • Directly Addresses Islamic Requirements: Specifically tailored to ensure compliance with Sharia for asset distribution.
  • Affordable: Much more economical than hiring a specialized lawyer for a full Sharia-compliant will.
  • Educational: Often provides valuable information on Islamic inheritance principles.
• Cons:
  • DIY Element: Still requires the user to understand and accurately apply the principles, which can be challenging for those without a strong understanding of Fara’id.
  • Limited Legal Advice: Does not offer personalized legal advice for Canadian law specifics.
  • May Still Require Review: For complex estates or peace of mind, a review by a lawyer proficient in both Canadian and Islamic law is often recommended.
• Best For: Muslims seeking to ensure their will aligns with Islamic principles, who are comfortable with a DIY approach but may still consider professional review. Consider resources like Al-Wasiyyah (Islamic Will Kit).

3. Other Online Will Services (e.g., Willful, Epilogue Wills)

• Description: As discussed earlier, these platforms provide similar services to Legalwills.ca, focusing on convenience and affordability for basic estate planning.
• Pros:
  • Convenience and Affordability: Similar benefits to Legalwills.ca, offering an easy online process and lower costs than lawyers.
  • Modern Interfaces: Some alternatives like Willful offer highly streamlined and aesthetically pleasing user experiences.
• Cons:
  • Same Limitations: They share the same core limitations as Legalwills.ca regarding personalized legal advice and the inability to natively handle complex or religiously specific inheritance requirements.
  • Not Sharia-Compliant: Like Legalwills.ca, these platforms do not explicitly cater to Islamic inheritance laws, requiring separate consideration for Muslim users.
• Best For: Individuals with very simple estates who prioritize ease of use and affordability, and do not have complex legal or religious requirements.

4. Estate Planning Software

• Description: More robust software solutions (beyond simple online form fillers) that help users organize their assets, debts, and wishes. Some may have modules for generating basic legal documents.
• Pros:
  • Comprehensive Organization: Excellent for managing financial information and asset inventories.
  • Better Data Management: Can help users track and update their financial picture over time.
• Cons:
  • Not a Legal Substitute: Primarily a financial organization tool, not a replacement for legally binding wills.
  • Limited Legal Drafting: May only generate basic documents or require significant manual input.
  • No Sharia Integration: Does not address Islamic inheritance principles.
• Best For: Individuals who need help organizing their financial life for estate planning purposes, but still need separate legal document creation.

In conclusion, while Legalwills.ca serves as a viable option for straightforward Canadian wills, for Muslims, or anyone with a complex estate, exploring alternatives that offer specialized legal advice or Sharia-compliant guidance is not just an option but a necessity to ensure proper, ethically sound, and legally robust estate planning.

FAQ

What is Legalwills.ca?

Legalwills.ca is a Canadian online platform that allows individuals to create their own legally binding Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Living Will (Personal Directive), and other estate planning documents online.

Is Legalwills.ca legitimate and legally binding in Canada?

Yes, Legalwills.ca claims its documents are legally binding in all Canadian provinces and territories, provided they are properly signed and witnessed according to provincial laws.

How much does Legalwills.ca cost?

The cost varies depending on the documents and packages chosen. A single will can be around CAD $39.95, while comprehensive packages including multiple documents for an individual or couple can range from CAD $79.95 to $199.95.

Is Legalwills.ca suitable for complex estates?

No, Legalwills.ca is generally best suited for simple, straightforward estates. For complex situations involving blended families, significant assets, trusts, or specific tax planning, consulting a lawyer is recommended.

Does Legalwills.ca cater to Islamic inheritance laws (Fara’id)?

No, Legalwills.ca does not explicitly cater to Islamic inheritance laws (Fara’id). Muslims using this service would need to seek separate guidance from an Islamic scholar or a lawyer proficient in both Canadian and Islamic law to ensure their will is Sharia-compliant.

Can I update my will after purchasing it on Legalwills.ca?

Yes, many packages include options for free updates for a specific period (e.g., one year) or even lifetime updates for an additional fee or as part of premium bundles.

How do I log in to my Legalwills.ca account?

You can log in to your Legalwills.ca account by visiting their website and clicking the “Login” or “Sign In” button, typically found in the top right corner. You will need your registered email address and password.

What if I forget my Legalwills.ca password?

If you forget your password, there is a “Forgot Password?” link on the login page. Click it, enter your registered email, and follow the instructions to reset your password.

How do I cancel a Legalwills.ca subscription or recurring service?

Log in to your account, navigate to your “My Account” or “Billing Information” section, and look for an option to “Cancel Subscription” or “Disable Auto-Renewal” for any active recurring services.

Is there a Legalwills.ca free trial?

Legalwills.ca typically operates on a direct purchase model for documents, but they may occasionally offer promotional free trials for specific features or new services. Always check the terms of any trial offer.

How do I cancel a Legalwills.ca free trial?

If a free trial is offered, you would typically cancel it by logging into your account, navigating to the subscription or billing settings, and finding the option to “Cancel Trial” or “End Trial” before the trial period expires.

Do I need to print and sign my will created with Legalwills.ca?

Yes, absolutely. The document created online is a draft. To be legally binding in Canada, you must print the document, sign it in the presence of two qualified witnesses, and have them sign it in your presence, following your provincial legal requirements.

Are the witnesses required for my Legalwills.ca will important?

Yes, witnesses are crucial. A will must be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries in the will (or their spouses), and they must also sign in your presence. Failure to follow proper witnessing procedures can invalidate the will.

Can I make a Power of Attorney with Legalwills.ca?

Yes, Legalwills.ca offers the ability to create both a Power of Attorney for Personal Care (Living Will) and a Power of Attorney for Property (Financial Power of Attorney).

What is a Digital Vault on Legalwills.ca?

The Digital Vault is a secure online storage service offered by Legalwills.ca where you can upload important documents, financial information, and leave instructions for your digital assets for your executor.

Is Legalwills.ca available in all Canadian provinces?

Yes, Legalwills.ca states that its documents are designed to be legally valid across all Canadian provinces and territories.

Can I get a refund from Legalwills.ca?

Legalwills.ca’s refund policy is typically outlined in their terms of service. Generally, refunds may be available under specific conditions, often related to dissatisfaction with the service within a certain timeframe, but usually not if the document has already been created and downloaded.

Is Legalwills.ca better than a lawyer?

For simple estates and budget-conscious individuals, Legalwills.ca offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative. However, a lawyer provides personalized legal advice, handles complex situations, and can offer specialized guidance (like Sharia compliance), which online services cannot.

What are some alternatives to Legalwills.ca?

Alternatives include other online will services like Willful or Epilogue Wills, using specialized Islamic Will Kits, or hiring a traditional estate planning lawyer for comprehensive and personalized advice.

Does Legalwills.ca offer customer support?

Yes, Legalwills.ca offers customer support, typically through email or a contact form on their website, to assist with platform-related questions and technical issues. However, they cannot provide legal advice.