Are Wills Public Record in Canada?

Introduction

One of the most common questions after a death is: “Are wills public record?” The answer depends on whether probate has started. This article explains Canada’s rules around public access to wills and introduces a private alternative: the Canadian Will Registry.

Wills Before Probate – Private Documents

While alive, wills are confidential.
After death, they remain private until probate is filed.
Only the executor has the immediate right to access.

When Wills Become Public

Probate filing → will enters court records.
Anyone can sometimes request access, but process varies by province.
Not all wills require probate (small estates may bypass it).

Why This Causes Problems

Families may wait months for probate.
Conflicts arise when executors delay.
Provincial court access systems are inconsistent.

Canadian Will Registry – A Private Solution

Secure lawyer-managed entries.
Consumer searches ($10).
Lifetime future match notifications.
Faster connections without relying on courts.

Find a Will in Canada Today

FAQ Block

Are wills always public in Canada?

No. Only after probate may a will become part of court records. Before that, wills are private.

How can families find a will without probate?

The Canadian Will Registry allows families to search directly with participating lawyers, avoiding long delays.

Conclusion

Wills aren’t automatically public in Canada. With the Canadian Will Registry, families finally have a national, secure way to locate them faster.