Wills in New Brunswick

New Brunswick essentials

• What Makes a Will Legally Valid in New Brunswick?

  A valid New Brunswick will must be signed at the end and witnessed by two non-beneficiaries — or be a fully handwritten holograph will. Age 19, plus mistakes to avoid.

• Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in New Brunswick?

  You don't need a lawyer to make a valid will in New Brunswick, but you do need to follow the Wills Act. Here's when DIY works and when to hire a pro.

• Are Handwritten (Holograph) Wills Valid in New Brunswick?

  Yes — a fully handwritten and signed will is a valid holograph will in New Brunswick, with no witnesses required. Here's how to do it right and why it's risky.

• Are Online & Electronic Wills Legal in New Brunswick?

  Online wills are legal in New Brunswick once printed and witnessed. Fully electronic (e-signed) wills are not. Here's the difference and how to comply.

• What Happens If You Die Without a Will in New Brunswick?

  If you die without a will in New Brunswick, the Devolution of Estates Act decides who inherits — not you. Here's how the shares work and what it means for common-law partners.

• Does Your Spouse Inherit Everything If You Die Without a Will in New Brunswick?

  Not always. In New Brunswick, a spouse inherits everything only if there are no descendants. Otherwise the estate is shared with the children.

• How Much Does Probate Cost in New Brunswick?

  Probate fees in New Brunswick are about 0.5% of estate value, paid to the Probate Court (Court of King's Bench). Here's how it's calculated and what's exempt.

• What Assets Skip Probate in New Brunswick?

  In New Brunswick, registered plans, life insurance, and joint property with survivorship skip probate. Here's how each works — and the traps to avoid.

• Does a Will Cover Medical Decisions in New Brunswick?

  No — a will only takes effect at death. In New Brunswick you also need Enduring Power of Attorney and a Power of Attorney for personal care / Advance Health Care Directive for incapacity.

• How Often Should You Update Your Will in New Brunswick?

  New Brunswick wills don't expire, but they go stale. Review every 3–5 years and after marriage, separation, kids, or major asset changes.

Cities in New Brunswick

Saint John, New Brunswick

Making a Will in Saint John, New Brunswick

How to make a valid will in Saint John: New Brunswick's witnessing rules, holograph wills, 0.5% probate, why common-law partners inherit nothing, and how to start.

Updated 2026-06

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Making a Will in Fredericton, New Brunswick

How to make a valid will in Fredericton: New Brunswick's witnessing rules, holograph wills, 0.5% probate, why common-law partners inherit nothing, and how to start.

Updated 2026-06

Moncton, New Brunswick

Making a Will in Moncton, New Brunswick

How to make a valid will in Moncton: New Brunswick's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06