Making a Will in Gatineau, Quebec
Last updated 2026-06 · Quebec
Gatineau, with about 291,000 residents, sits across the Ottawa River from the national capital and is home to many federal public servants.
What a valid will requires in Gatineau
Quebec is the only Canadian province governed by civil law: the Civil Code of Québec recognizes three valid will forms in Gatineau — a notarial will signed before a notary (no probate needed), a holograph will entirely handwritten and signed by you (no witnesses), and a will made in the presence of two witnesses. You must be of full age (18) and capable. Fully electronic wills are not recognized.
Probate and cost in Gatineau
In Quebec, only notarial wills skip probate. Holograph and witnessed wills must go through probate (vérification) at the Superior Court of Quebec or before a notary. Quebec has no provincial probate tax — only modest court and notarial fees — but the verification process itself takes time. A notarial will is often the smoothest path for Gatineau residents with straightforward estates.
If you die without a will in Gatineau
Quebec's intestacy rules under the Civil Code are unique: a married spouse takes one-third when there are descendants, and common-law partners inherit nothing — a particularly stark gap given how many Gatineau couples live in union libre. Only a will (notarial, holograph, or witnessed) can protect a common-law partner in Quebec.
Getting started
For a simple estate, a reputable Quebec online will signed with two witnesses (or, in Quebec, a notarial will) is often enough; for blended families, businesses, or larger estates, see a Gatineau estate lawyer. Pair your will with Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care (in Quebec, a mandat de protection).
Frequently asked questions
Which will form skips probate in Gatineau? A notarial will signed before a Quebec notary. Do common-law partners inherit in Gatineau? No — Quebec law does not give conjoints de fait any default share. Only a will can. Is probate expensive in Gatineau? There's no provincial probate tax — only verification fees.
Not legal advice. General information about Quebec law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Gatineau estate lawyer.
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