It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop mid-scroll: “Costco is doing Wills now?”
At a price point around a couple hundred dollars, it sounds like a no-brainer. But when it comes to something as important as your estate plan, it’s worth taking a closer look at what you’re actually getting—and what you might not be.
Why Is It So Cheap?
Costco’s Will service is delivered through an online platform. You complete a questionnaire, and the system generates documents based on your answers.
That’s what keeps the cost low:
- No one-on-one legal advice
- No review of your specific circumstances
- No customization beyond the form inputs
For very straightforward situations, that may be enough. But most people’s lives—and estates—aren’t quite that simple.
Where Online Wills Can Fall Short
No Real Assessment of Your Situation
Estate planning isn’t just about filling in blanks. Simply put, online platforms don’t evaluate. They can only work with the information you provide to them and they won’t ask questions about what you don’t know to include. Some issues that can lead to complications for executors or, in some cases, estate litigation include:
- Family dynamics
- Long-term contingencies
- Cross-border issues or travel plans
- How different assets interact
The Risk is on You
Even a perfectly generated document still needs to be:
- Signed correctly
- Witnessed properly
- Compliant with Ontario law
With online kits, that responsibility falls entirely on you. And if something is done incorrectly? The issue may not surface until probate, when it’s too late to fix.
Templates Can Only Go So Far
Online Wills are built on standardized clauses. That can create gaps when you need:
- Staggered inheritances
- Backup executors over time
- Coordination with registered accounts and designations
- More thoughtful planning around “what if” scenarios
What seems like a small omission now can create significant complications later.
No Lawyer Involved…At Any Stage
Perhaps the biggest distinction is this: No human is reviewing your documents to confirm they actually reflect your intentions. That is… unless you want to pay additional fees. If you decide against this added cost though and go with the best price available, there’s no advisor familiar with your file, and no accountability if something goes wrong. The burden of any errors ultimately falls on your estate and your beneficiaries.
A Different Approach: Why Clients Choose Clarke & Co.
At Clarke & Co., the focus isn’t just on producing documents; it’s on making sure your plan actually works. The firm was built on the idea that legal services should be clear, practical, and approachable, not overly complicated or intimidating.
Dan Clarke is known for breaking down complex legal concepts into plain language and taking a practical, cost-conscious approach—because good planning shouldn’t be more complicated (or expensive) than it needs to be.
Mackenzie brings a detail-oriented, client-focused approach to estate planning, ensuring Wills and Powers of Attorney actually reflect each client’s goals while helping families understand the decisions they’re making.
Together, they focus on:
- Tailored planning – not templates
- Clear advice – not guesswork
- Proper execution – not risk
- Long-term thinking – not quick fixes
- Estate Planning isn’t just a will
In real life, Estate Planning often includes Powers of Attorney, family and timing considerations, coordination with accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs, and planning around travel, residency, or future changes. An online platform reduces estate planning to a checklist; a box to tick and move on. A lawyer brings nuance.
At Clarke & Co., we take that nuance and the time needed to ensure it all fits. That’s the difference.
So… Is It a Deal?
For very simple situations, an online Will might do the job.
But if there’s anything even slightly complex; for example, family considerations, future planning, multiple assets, or just uncertainty about “what ifs”, the cost savings can quickly disappear if something goes wrong.
The Real Value
When you work with a lawyer, you’re not just paying for documents.
You’re paying for:
- Guidance
- Accuracy
- Accountability
- And ultimately, peace of mind
Because the real test of an estate plan isn’t how inexpensive it was to create, it’s how well it works when it actually matters.
Feel free to connect with our office: