Free Will in Quebec — Template and Complete Guide 2026
Fill out your will directly online or download the free Word template. Complies with the Civil Code of Quebec.
No registration required • Editable .docx format
Why write a will in Quebec?
In Quebec, nearly one in two adults does not have a will. Without this essential document, your property is distributed according to the rules of the Civil Code of Quebec — not according to your wishes. A will allows you to:
- Choosing your heirs — designating exactly who receives what
- Appointing an executor — the person responsible for carrying out your wishes
- Protecting your common-law partner — without a will, they don’t receive anything legally
- Providing for guardianship of your minor children — appointing a trusted guardian
- Avoid family conflict — clear instructions prevent arguments
- Reduce inheritance delays — the process is faster with a clear will
The 3 types of wills recognized in Quebec
The Civil Code of Québec (articles 712 to 730) recognizes three forms of wills:
Quiz: Do you need a notary?
1/5 — Do you have significant assets (business, buildings, investments)?
Checklist — What you need before you start
Full name, date of birth, address
The person who will carry out your wishes (name, address)
In the event that the main liquidator is unable to act
Specific assets to bequeath to specific persons
Who receives all the remaining assets
The following may not be heirs named in the will
Complete your will online
Use our free tool to complete your will directly in your browser. Your data stays on your device — nothing is sent to our servers. At the end, print the document to sign in front of your witnesses.
When to consult a notary?
Although it is possible to write a free will yourself, some situations require the expertise of a professional:
✅ Our model is suitable if
- Simple wealth (residence, savings)
- All your assets are in Quebec
- Clear distribution among your loved ones
- No complex family situation
- You want to protect your common-law partner
❌ Consult a notary if
- Significant assets or company
- Property outside Québec
- Blended family
- You want to set up a trust
- You fear a challenge
💡 Did you know?
A notarial will does not need to be probated upon death — saving heirs between $800 and $2,000 and significantly speeding up the estate. In Quebec, a common-law spouse has no automatic inheritance rights: without a will, he or she receives nothing, even after 20 years of living together.
Protect your wealth during your lifetime
A will protects your loved ones after you die, but insurance protects your assets during your lifetime. Assur360, an independent broker certified by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), compares the offers of several insurers:
🚗 Car insurance
Compare the best prices
🏠 Home insurance
Protect your property
🏢 Business Insurance
Protect your business
📝 Protection mandate
Free Online Template
Cities served in Quebec
Our model complies with the Civil Code of Quebec and can be used anywhere in the province. Our brokers are available in Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay.
Frequently Asked Questions — Free Wills in Quebec
What are the 3 types of wills recognized in Quebec?
The Civil Code of Québec recognizes three forms: notarial wills (drawn up before a notary with a witness), holographic wills (entirely handwritten and signed, without witnesses) and wills in the presence of witnesses (signed in the presence of two adult witnesses). Only a notarial will does not need to be probated at death.
Is a will made online valid in Quebec?
A template downloaded or printed from the internet is not valid as a holographic will (which must be fully handwritten). However, it can be printed and signed in front of two witnesses to be valid as a will in front of witnesses. A purely electronic will (signed online) is not recognized by the Civil Code of Quebec.
How much does a notarized will cost in Quebec in 2026?
A notarial will typically costs between $250 and $400 for a simple will. For a couple, the rate is often between $400 and $700. It is an investment that saves heirs probate fees of $800 to $2,000.
What is an executor of an estate?
The executor (formerly the executor) is the person you designate to manage your estate : inventory your assets, pay your debts and taxes, and then distribute your assets. Choose someone you trust, who is of legal age and in good health.
What happens if I die without a will in Quebec?
Intestate succession applies: your assets are distributed according to a legal order (married spouse and children first). A common-law spouse does not receive anything without a will, even after years of living together.
Can a will be amended after it has been written?
Yes, as long as you are mentally fit. You can write a new will (which revokes the previous ones) or add a codicil. Review your will after each major event: marriage, divorce, birth, death of a beneficiary.
Does my common-law partner inherit automatically?
No. In Quebec, a common-law spouse has no automatic inheritance rights. Without a will, he receives nothing, even after 20 years of living together. This is one of the most important reasons to write a will.
Where to keep your will so that it can be found?
A notarial will is kept by the notary and registered in the Register of Testamentary Dispositions. For a holographic or witnessed will, keep it in a safe place and inform your loved ones of its existence. You can also register him or her in the Register of the Barreau du Québec.
Do witnesses need to know the contents of my will?
No. Witnesses should know that this is your will, but do not need to know what is in it. They must be present at the signing, sign themselves and initial each page.
What is the difference between a will and a protection mandate?
The will takes effect upon your death and determines the distribution of your property. The protection mandate takes effect during your lifetime, if you become incapacitated, and designates who will make the decisions for you. The two documents are complementary and essential.
🏆 Why trust Assur360?
Protect your loved ones now
Fill out your will online, print it out, and complete your protection with the right insurance.
📞 1-866-357-4451 — Free Broker Consultation