Signing guides

How to sign your will

A will only works if it is signed the way your province requires. Pick your province or territory for printable steps.

Alberta
Common law · Wills and Succession Act (WSA)
2 witnessesAdult at 18Handwritten wills allowed
British Columbia
Common law · Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA)
2 witnessesAdult at 19
Manitoba
Common law · The Wills Act (CCSM c. W150)
2 witnessesAdult at 18Handwritten wills allowed
New Brunswick
Common law · Wills Act (SNB 2023, c. 21)
2 witnessesAdult at 19Handwritten wills allowed
Newfoundland & Labrador
Common law · Wills Act (RSNL 1990, c. W-10)
2 witnessesAdult at 19Handwritten wills allowed
Northwest Territories
Common law · Succession Act (SNWT 1994, c. 26)
2 witnessesAdult at 19Handwritten wills allowed
Nova Scotia
Common law · Wills Act (RSNS 1989, c. 505)
2 witnessesAdult at 19Handwritten wills allowed
Nunavut
Common law · Succession Act (RSNWT 1988, c. S-15 as adopted)
2 witnessesAdult at 19Handwritten wills allowed
Ontario
Common law · Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA)
2 witnessesAdult at 18Handwritten wills allowed
Prince Edward Island
Common law · Probate Act (RSPEI 1988, c. P-21)
2 witnessesAdult at 18Handwritten wills allowed
Quebec
Civil law · Civil Code of Québec (C.c.Q.), arts. 703–730
2 witnessesAdult at 18Handwritten wills allowedNotarial will
Saskatchewan
Common law · The Wills Act, 1996 (SS 1996, c. W-14.1)
2 witnessesAdult at 18Handwritten wills allowed
Yukon
Common law · Wills Act (RSY 2002, c. 230)
2 witnessesAdult at 19Handwritten wills allowed

These guides have not yet been reviewed by a lawyer in each province. They explain the usual formalities and do not replace advice about your situation.