Create Your Legal Will in Saskatchewan
Create your legal will in Saskatchewan in less than an hour.
Most people in Saskatchewan do not have an up-to-date will. If you are one of them, you are not alone. People put it off because lawyers are expensive and the process feels complicated. You may have searched for a Saskatchewan will kit or wondered if the Saskatchewan government provides one. There is no official Saskatchewan government will kit. If you have been looking for how to make a will in Saskatchewan, you have probably come across free templates online. Most are generic, missing important clauses, and not written for Saskatchewan law. Will-Kit.ca offers a better path. Our online will kit for Saskatchewan walks you through simple questions about your situation, then generates a complete, legally valid will tailored to Saskatchewan requirements under The Wills Act, 1996. We generate a PDF, you sign it with two witnesses, and you are done.
Get Started NowWhat Is a Will?
How to Create a Legal Will in Saskatchewan
If you want to write a will in Saskatchewan, you need to understand what makes a will legally valid. Saskatchewan wills are governed by The Wills Act, 1996. The requirements are straightforward.
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years or older. An exception exists if you are married or are a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Written Format
Your will must be in writing. This can be typed or handwritten. Saskatchewan recognizes holographic wills (entirely handwritten and signed by you, with no witnesses required). However, a typed will is generally preferred because it is easier to read, clearer in intent, and less likely to face challenges in court. Saskatchewan has also recently introduced legislation allowing wills in electronic form.
Signature
You must sign your will, and it must be apparent on the face of the document that you intended to give effect to it as your will. Someone else can sign on your behalf if they do so in your presence and at your direction.
Witnesses
Two witnesses must be present when you sign. Both witnesses must watch you sign, and then both must sign the will themselves in your presence and in the presence of each other. Witnesses must be of sound mind. Saskatchewan law also allows witnesses to be present via electronic means such as video call, provided the testator and all witnesses can see and hear each other at all times.
Witness Restrictions
Your witnesses should not be beneficiaries named in your will or the spouse of a beneficiary. If a beneficiary witnesses your will, any gift to that person becomes void unless the court directs otherwise. Choose witnesses who have no interest in your estate. Neighbours, coworkers, or friends who are not named in your will are good choices.
What You Do Not Need
You do not need a lawyer to make a legal will in Saskatchewan. You do not need a notary. You do not need to register your will with any government office. As long as you meet the requirements under The Wills Act, 1996, your will is legally binding. Our Saskatchewan will kit guides you through each requirement and provides clear signing instructions so you execute your will properly under Saskatchewan law.
Electronic Wills and Video Witnessing in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has introduced legislation allowing wills in electronic form and permitting witnesses to be present via electronic means such as video call. This means you can have your will witnessed over Zoom or Skype, provided the testator and all witnesses can see and hear each other at all times throughout the signing process. This was introduced through The Wills (Public Emergencies) Regulations and has remained in effect. Saskatchewan is one of only a few provinces offering this flexibility. For most people, our standard printed will with in-person witnesses is the simplest approach. But if your witnesses are in another city or province, video witnessing is a valid option under Saskatchewan law.
Saskatchewan Probate Fees and Why They Matter
When someone dies in Saskatchewan, the executor typically needs to apply to the Court of King’s Bench for a Grant of Probate. This is the court’s confirmation that the will is valid and that the executor has authority to manage the estate.
Saskatchewan probate fees are calculated at $7 for every $1,000 of estate value, which works out to 0.7% of the total estate. There is also a court filing fee of $200.
For a $500,000 estate, you would pay about $3,700 in probate fees. For a $300,000 estate, about $2,300.
These fees are higher than Alberta (which caps at $525) but lower than Ontario or BC, where fees climb steeply on larger estates.
Having a properly prepared will makes the probate process faster and less expensive for your family. If you die without a will in Saskatchewan, your family still faces probate costs plus the added expense and delay of the court appointing an estate administrator.
Why Choose an Online Will Kit for Saskatchewan
When you decide to make a will in Saskatchewan, you have several options. Understanding the differences helps you make the right choice for your situation.
A lawyer-drafted will in Saskatchewan typically costs $500 to $1,500 for a simple will. Complex estates or blended families push costs higher. Lawyers make sense for complicated situations: significant business holdings, potential family disputes, or assets in multiple jurisdictions. For most people in Saskatchewan with straightforward estates, a lawyer is more than you need.
Free will templates are available online, but they carry real risks. Most templates are generic documents not written for Saskatchewan law. They may be missing clauses that Saskatchewan courts expect to see. Saskatchewan has specific rules that differ from other provinces. The Wills Act, 1996 has its own requirements. A generic template is unlikely to account for these distinctions.
An online will kit for Saskatchewan like Will-Kit.ca sits between these options. You get guided questions that ask about your specific situation and explain your choices in plain language. The system generates a complete will written for Saskatchewan law, with all the clauses Saskatchewan courts expect under The Wills Act, 1996.
You get a legal will in Saskatchewan without lawyer fees. You get guidance without the generic risks of free templates.
Will-Kit.ca is backed by Self-Counsel Press, with over 50 years of experience creating trusted legal resources for Canadians.
What to Include in Your Saskatchewan Will Kit
Executor appointment
Name the person who will manage your estate after you pass. Your executor pays debts, files taxes, and distributes assets according to your wishes. Choose someone you trust who is organized and responsible.
Alternate executor
Name a backup in case your first choice cannot serve. Life circumstances change. Having an alternate prevents delays and court appointments.
Guardianship for minor children
If you have children under 18, your will is where you name who should raise them if something happens to you. This is one of the most important reasons to make a will in Saskatchewan. Without one, the court decides.
Beneficiaries
Specify who receives your assets and in what proportions. Be clear to avoid confusion. You can divide by percentages or by specific items.
Specific gifts
Leave particular items to particular people. Jewelry, vehicles, family heirlooms, or anything with sentimental value can be directed to the person you choose.
Alternate beneficiaries
Name backup beneficiaries in case your primary choice passes away before you do. This prevents your gift from falling into your general estate.
Digital assets
Address online accounts, cryptocurrencies, photos stored in the cloud, and other digital property. This is increasingly important as more of our lives exist online.
Residue clause
This catches everything not specifically mentioned in your will. It ensures nothing falls through the cracks and prevents intestacy for forgotten or future assets.
Funeral wishes
While not legally binding, expressing your preferences for burial, cremation, or memorial services gives your family guidance during a difficult time.
Get Started NowHow Our Saskatchewan Will Kit Works
A lawyer-drafted will in Saskatchewan typically costs $500 to $1,500 or more. Our online will kit costs a fraction of that price while producing an equally valid legal document under The Wills Act, 1996. Creating your legal will in Saskatchewan takes under an hour. The process has three simple steps.
1. Answer Simple Questions
Our guided process asks about your family, your assets, and your wishes. Questions are written in plain English with explanations when you need them. We ask about your situation so we can generate a will that fits your life, not a one-size-fits-all template.
2. Review Your Will
Based on your answers, we generate your complete Saskatchewan will. Review it to make sure everything looks right. You can make changes if needed. Take your time. This document matters.
3. Sign and Store
Gather two witnesses who are not beneficiaries and who are of sound mind. Sign your will in front of both witnesses, then have them sign as well. Saskatchewan law also allows witnesses to participate via video call if all parties can see and hear each other. Store the original somewhere safe and fireproof. Tell your executor where to find it. That is it. You now have a legally valid will under Saskatchewan law.
When to Review Your Will
A will is not a document you write once and forget about. Life changes, and your will should reflect those changes. Review your will when you get married (marriage automatically revokes a prior will in Saskatchewan unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage). Review it after a divorce or separation, after the birth or adoption of a child, after a significant change in your assets such as buying or selling property, if your executor or guardian can no longer serve, or if you move to another province (each province has different rules). Under Saskatchewan's intestacy rules, if you and your spouse have been living separate and apart for two years, the surviving spouse does not receive any share of the estate. This makes updating your will after separation especially important. You can update your will at any time through Will-Kit.ca. For major changes, creating a new will is usually the better approach.
Health Care Directive vs Living Will in Saskatchewan
If you are making a will in Saskatchewan, you may also want to think about what happens if you become unable to make decisions while you are still alive. In some provinces, this is handled by a “living will.” Saskatchewan uses a Health Care Directive, governed by The Health Care Directives and Substitute Health Care Decision Makers Act, 2015.
A Health Care Directive lets you name a proxy to make health care decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make them yourself. Your proxy does not need to be a family member. Any person aged 18 or older with the capacity to make health care decisions can serve as your proxy. The directive must be in writing, signed, and dated.
For financial decisions while you are alive but unable to manage your own affairs, you need an Enduring Power of Attorney, which is a separate document.
A Health Care Directive is not part of your will. It is a standalone document. But the two work together as part of your overall estate plan. Most estate professionals recommend having both in place.
Will-Kit.ca focuses on wills, but we recommend Saskatchewan residents also consider preparing a Health Care Directive and an Enduring Power of Attorney. Self-Counsel Press publishes resources on both topics.
Pricing
A lawyer-drafted will in Saskatchewan typically costs $500 to $1,500 or more. Our online will kit costs a fraction of that price while producing an equally valid legal document under The Wills Act, 1996.
Get Started NowFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about making a will in Saskatchewan, including legal requirements, costs, and probate fees.
Are online wills legal in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Saskatchewan law does not require a lawyer to create a valid will. The Wills Act, 1996 sets out the requirements: your will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people who are of sound mind and who are not beneficiaries. As long as you meet these requirements, your will is legally binding.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Saskatchewan?
No. You have the legal right to make your own will in Saskatchewan. Lawyers can be helpful for complex estates involving business assets, potential disputes, or multi-jurisdictional property. But most people with straightforward situations can create a valid will using an online will kit.
How much does a will cost in Saskatchewan?
Lawyer-drafted wills typically cost $500 to $1,500 for a simple will in Saskatchewan. Complex estates or couples cost more. Online will kits like Will-Kit.ca cost significantly less while producing an equally valid legal document under The Wills Act, 1996.
Can I write my own will in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Saskatchewan recognizes both formal wills (typed and witnessed) and holographic wills (entirely handwritten and signed by you, with no witnesses required). Saskatchewan has also recently introduced legislation allowing electronic wills. Will-Kit.ca produces a formal typed will, which is generally preferred because it is easier to read and less likely to be challenged.
What happens if I die without a will in Saskatchewan?
If you die without a will (called dying intestate), Saskatchewan law decides who gets your assets through The Intestate Succession Act, 2019. If all your children are also children of your surviving spouse, your spouse receives the entire estate. If you have children from another relationship and there is one such child, the spouse receives a $200,000 preferential share and then splits the remainder. If there are two or more children from another relationship, the spouse receives one-third and the children share two-thirds equally. If you have no spouse or children, assets go to parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives. The court appoints an estate administrator. This process is slower and more expensive than having a named executor.
Who can witness my will in Saskatchewan?
Any person of sound mind can witness your will in Saskatchewan. Witnesses should not be beneficiaries or the spouse of a beneficiary. If a beneficiary witnesses your will, any gift to that person becomes void unless a court directs otherwise. Saskatchewan law also allows witnesses to be present via electronic means such as video call, provided all parties can see and hear each other at all times.
What are probate fees in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan probate fees are calculated at $7 per $1,000 of estate value (0.7%). There is also a $200 court filing fee. For a $500,000 estate, expect about $3,700 in total probate fees. Having a valid will makes the probate process faster and less expensive for your family.
Can I witness a will over video call in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Saskatchewan allows wills to be witnessed using electronic means such as Skype or Zoom, provided the testator and all witnesses can see and hear each other at all times throughout the signing process. This was introduced through The Wills (Public Emergencies) Regulations and has remained in effect.
What is the difference between a will and a Health Care Directive in Saskatchewan?
A will takes effect after you die. It directs how your assets are distributed and who manages your estate. A Health Care Directive takes effect while you are alive but unable to make decisions for yourself. It names a proxy to make health care decisions on your behalf. They are separate documents but both are important parts of an estate plan. Saskatchewan does not typically use the term “living will.” The equivalent document here is a Health Care Directive, governed by The Health Care Directives and Substitute Health Care Decision Makers Act, 2015.
Does getting married affect my will in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Under The Wills Act, 1996, marriage automatically revokes any will you made before the marriage, unless the will was made in contemplation of that specific marriage. If you get married and do not make a new will, you will be treated as if you died without one. This is one of the most important reasons to review and update your will after major life changes.