How to Start Writing Your Will

Starting a Will might feel like something only older, wealthier people do. But creating a Will is really about answering simple, human questions: Who do I care about? What do I want to leave behind? And how can I make things easier for the people I love?

The process of starting a Will isn’t complicated. It just requires a clear head, a little preparation, and the willingness to write down your decisions.

The Key Questions to Ask Before Writing Your Will

The best way to start a Will is to begin with clarity—not legal forms. Ask yourself:

Who should receive my money, property, or personal items?
Who do I trust to carry out my instructions?
Who would care for my children or dependants if I couldn’t?
Are there specific gifts I want to leave to certain people or causes?
Is there anything I don’t want to happen with my estate?

You don’t need to answer everything perfectly right away. But thinking through these questions sets the foundation for a Will that reflects your real values.

Tip: Don’t worry about legal terms at this stage. Start with people, priorities, and personal wishes—then match them to the structure of a Will.

What to Prepare Before You Begin

Before you sit down to write or meet with a professional, it helps to get organized. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

Information to Gather	Why It Matters
A list of your assets	Helps you decide what you’re passing on and to whom
Names of beneficiaries	Ensures clarity in who should receive each item or share
Potential guardians and executors	These roles are critical and should be chosen with care
Key documents (titles, accounts)	Supports accurate bequests and makes estate administration smoother
Any personal wishes or instructions	For funeral preferences, charitable gifts, or sentimental items

You don’t need everything figured out. But the more you bring into the process, the more complete and actionable your Will becomes.

Choosing the Right Way to Write Your Will

There’s no single “right” way to write a Will. What matters is that it meets your needs and legal requirements. Here are your main options:

DIY or handwritten (holograph) Wills: Acceptable in some provinces, but easy to miswrite or overlook critical legal requirements.
Will kits or online tools: Provide a low-cost, structured template. Best for simple situations, but should be reviewed carefully.
Lawyers or estate planners: Offer customized advice and peace of mind. Ideal for complex estates or if you want full legal support.

Important: However you write your Will, it must be signed and witnessed according to your province’s rules. A Will that isn’t legally valid won’t hold up—no matter how thoughtful its contents.

How to Start the Process—One Step at a Time

You don’t need to finish your Will in one sitting. The most important thing is to get started. Here’s a basic path:

Make a list of your goals and people involved.
Choose the type of Will that fits your situation.
Gather your documents and review your assets.
Decide whether you’ll use a professional, online tool, or kit.
Complete the document, then sign and witness it properly.
Store it in a safe, known location—and let someone know where to find it.

At Optimize, we help you think about how your Will fits into your larger financial life. We guide you through estate planning conversations, help identify priorities, and ensure your plan aligns with your long-term goals.

Why Taking the First Step Matters Most

Writing a Will can seem intimidating. But once you take that first step, you’re not just protecting your assets—you’re protecting your voice.

Starting a Will is about giving direction to your life story. It’s your chance to define what matters and make sure your intentions are known and respected.