Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Northwest Territories?
Last updated 2026-06 · Northwest Territories
No — Northwest Territories doesn't require a lawyer to make a valid will. What it requires is compliance with the Wills Act: a will signed by the testator (or a holograph will in your own handwriting) and, for a typed will, signed in front of two witnesses who aren't beneficiaries.
What you legally need
- You must be at least the age of majority and of sound mind.
- A typed will must be signed by you at the end, in the presence of two witnesses who also sign in your presence. Neither witness — nor their spouse — should be a beneficiary, or the gift to them is generally void.
- A holograph will entirely in your own handwriting and signed is valid in Northwest Territories with no witnesses.
When DIY (or an online service) is reasonable
- Simple estate: a home, a few accounts, registered plans with named beneficiaries.
- Straightforward family: one spouse, adult children, no blended-family complexity.
- No business, no out-of-province real estate, no disabled beneficiary, no trust needs.
A reputable online will service that produces a Northwest Territories-specific document — printed and witnessed — is usually fine here.
When you should hire a lawyer
- Blended families, second marriages, or estranged children.
- A business, farm, or rental properties.
- A disabled beneficiary who relies on income-tested benefits (a Henson trust may be needed).
- Assets outside Northwest Territories — especially U.S. real estate.
- High estate value where the NWT's modest flat fees probate cost matters.
- Anticipated disputes — estranged spouse, capacity questions, second family.
What a Northwest Territories lawyer adds
Beyond drafting, a lawyer integrates your will with your Power of Attorney and Personal Directive / Health Care Directive, ensures execution formalities are met, and stores the original safely.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lawyer required to make a will in Northwest Territories? No — self-drafted and online wills are valid if properly signed and witnessed. Can I write my own will in Northwest Territories? Yes — fully handwritten and signed is a valid holograph will. How much does a will cost in Northwest Territories? A simple lawyer-drafted will is typically $400–$800; online services are usually under $200. Are online wills legal in Northwest Territories? Yes, once printed and signed before two witnesses.
Not legal advice. General information about Northwest Territories law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Northwest Territories estate lawyer.
More from Northwest Territories
- What Makes a Will Legally Valid in the Northwest Territories?
A valid NWT 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.
- Making a Will in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
How to make a valid will in Yellowknife: Northwest Territories's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.
- Are Handwritten (Holograph) Wills Valid in Northwest Territories?
Yes — a fully handwritten and signed will is a valid holograph will in Northwest Territories, with no witnesses required. Here's how to do it right and why it's risky.
- Are Online & Electronic Wills Legal in Northwest Territories?
Online wills are legal in Northwest Territories once printed and witnessed. Fully electronic (e-signed) wills are not. Here's the difference and how to comply.