Information by province and territory
Rules about your will and the distribution of your estate are determined by the province or territory you live in.
The rules relating to willsWills A legal document that establishes what you want to happen to your money, property and other assets after your death. A will can also set out plans to take care of your children or other family members who count on you financially.+ read full definition, powers of attorney and the settlement of an estateEstate The total sum of money and property you leave behind when you die.+ read full definition are set provincially. While much of the information on this site is general in nature, any specific rules mentioned are based on Ontario law and apply to Ontario residents.
If you or members of your family live outside Ontario – or own property in other provinces – some of the rules that apply to your estate will be different than the rules mentioned here.
Information for other jurisdictions
To find out more about specific rules and requirements that apply outside Ontario, here are links to will and estate planningEstate planning The plans you make to build and manage wealth for your lifetime and thereafter. Goals may include leaving the most money possible to your loved ones, with the least amount of taxes. Other goals may include caring for children, paying off debt or passing on a business.+ read full definition information for most jurisdictions in Canada.
Saskatchewan – Plans for the Future
Nova Scotia – Personal Directive
Yukon – Will Information Sheet
Northwest Territories – Wills and estates advice
Northwest Territories – Powers of Attorney
Caution
If you don’t make your will according to the laws of the province you live in, your will may not be valid. Having a lawyer draft or review your will is the best way of ensuring it’s valid.