416-951-3301 kershtein@gmail.com
Notary seal
416-951-3301

Will signings and probate affidavits in Scarborough

Bring the unsigned will and two witnesses who inherit nothing. Ilya Kershtein, notary public and commissioner of oaths, takes the witness’s affidavit of execution in the same visit, ready for probate.

  • $20 per signature
  • Open 7 days Mon–Fri 10–6:30 · Sat–Sun 12–4
  • Walk-ins welcome
Book a timeCall 416-951-3301
A man in a grey suit holding glasses at a wooden desk with papers, brass scales, a gavel and a stamp

Three estate papers and who signs each one

74Dcourt form
Affidavit of execution of a willSworn by one of the two witnesses. It is filed with the application for probate.
$20 per signature
74Fcourt form
Affidavit for a handwritten willFor a will written entirely in the deceased’s hand. Sworn by someone who knows that handwriting.
$20 per signature
Copycertified
True copy of a will or death certificateFor a bank, insurer or land registry office. The original goes home with you.
$20 first document

Form numbers as listed by Ontario Court Forms (2022 numbering).

How a will-signing visit runs

  1. Arrive togetherThe person making the will and both witnesses come at the same time, each with photo ID.
  2. Three signatures, one roomYou sign the will, then both witnesses sign while you watch. Nobody steps out in between.
  3. The affidavit is swornOne witness swears Form 74D, and the will is stamped as its exhibit before you leave.

Choosing the two witnesses

The wrong witness does not cancel the will. It cancels what that witness was going to inherit.

Do not ask

  • Anyone who receives a gift under the will
  • The husband, wife or partner of such a person

A safer choice

  • A friend, neighbour or co-worker who is left nothing
  • Someone you could still reach in ten or twenty years, because one witness may be asked to swear at probate

Section 12 of Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act voids a gift to a witness or the witness’s spouse.

A hand pressing a brass seal onto red wax on a typed page tied with red and white cord, a pen on a stand nearby

On signing day, have these with you

  • The will, printed and unsignedA will signed at home has to be signed again.
  • Photo ID for all three peopleA passport or driver’s licence for the will-maker and each witness.
  • Both witnesses at onceThe signing waits until both are in the room.
  • The current Form 74DOr email it before the visit and it is printed at the office free of charge.

After a death: copies for the estate

Banks, insurers and pension plans often ask an executor for a certified copy of the death certificate or the will instead of the original.

Bring the original. The copies are compared page by page, certified, and the original is handed back.

Three certified copies, one visit

First document$20
Second document$15
Third document$15
Total$50
From the fifth document, $10 each. Cash or e-Transfer.
A man in a navy suit signing a document at a desk with a NOTARY nameplate, a stamp and brass scales

Clients on care with their paperwork

★★★★★I had a great experience with Ilya. The service was professional, friendly and efficient from start to finish. Everything was handled with care and quality exceeded my expectations. I really appreciated the attention to detail and excellent service.
Harsh Mehra · Google review
★★★★★Ilya is very helpful, provide good service. Very patient and kind person helped me in notary service.
Rupinder Kaur · Google review
★★★★★Ilya Kerstein was so helpful and knowledgeable regarding Notary. I would recommend this place Notary Stamp Scarborough.
Mary Grace Taglorin · Google review

Wills and probate: what callers ask

Does a will need a notary stamp in Ontario?

No. A will is valid when it is signed in front of two witnesses who are present at the same time. The notary’s part is the witness’s affidavit of execution, which the court asks for at probate.

Can you write my will?

No. Drafting a will and advice on who should inherit are outside a notary’s work. We handle the sworn affidavits and certified copies.

One witness has moved away. Can they still swear Form 74D?

Yes. A commissioner or notary near them can take the affidavit. If they come here, it costs $20 per signature and takes a few minutes.

What does a will signing with the affidavit cost?

The affidavit of execution is one sworn signature, so $20. Certified copies are $20 for the first document and $15 each for the next three.

Related paperwork

Power of attorney Real estate & deeds Certified true copies Affidavits Statutory declarations

Filing for probate: Ontario’s guide, Apply for probate of an estate.

Fast & Reliable Notary Services

  • 416-951-3301
  • kershtein@gmail.com
  • 1225 Kennedy Road, Scarborough, Ontario, M1P 4Y1, Suite 2000, Unit #2020
  • Mon – Fri: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
  • Sat – Sun: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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