Provincial Will Requirements Across Canada

Across Canadian provinces, most Wills must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two adults who are not beneficiaries or their spouses. Some provinces also recognize holographic (handwritten) Wills with different rules. For the full process, see our Complete Canadian Will Guide.

Key Variations by Province

• Age of majority: 18 or 19 depending on province.
• Holographic Wills: Valid in several provinces if entirely handwritten and signed.
• Digital/e-Wills: Limited recognition; paper originals remain standard.
• Witness ineligibility: Beneficiaries and their spouses should not witness.
• Revocation: A new Will typically revokes prior Wills; state this clearly.

Practical Execution Tips

• Sign with two independent witnesses present at the same time.
• Use blue ink and initial each page.
• Store the original securely and tell your executor where it is.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a beneficiary (or their spouse) as a witness.
• Handwritten edits without proper re-signing and re-witnessing.
• Omitting a residue clause, causing partial intestacy.