Making a Will in Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec's capital, with about 549,000 residents, anchors the province's east and is home to the National Assembly, a large public sector, and a heritage-conscious population.

What a valid will requires in Quebec City

Quebec is the only Canadian province governed by civil law: the Civil Code of Québec recognizes three valid will forms in Quebec City — 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 Quebec City

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 Quebec City residents with straightforward estates.

If you die without a will in Quebec City

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 Quebec City 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 Quebec City 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 Quebec City? A notarial will signed before a Quebec notary. Do common-law partners inherit in Quebec City? No — Quebec law does not give conjoints de fait any default share. Only a will can. Is probate expensive in Quebec City? There's no provincial probate tax — only verification fees.

Not legal advice. General information about Quebec law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Quebec City estate lawyer.