Making a Will in Trois-Rivières, Quebec
Last updated 2026-06 · Quebec
Trois-Rivières, with about 139,000 residents, is one of the oldest cities in Canada and anchors the Mauricie region between Montreal and Quebec City.
What a valid will requires in Trois-Rivières
Quebec is the only Canadian province governed by civil law: the Civil Code of Québec recognizes three valid will forms in Trois-Rivières — 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 Trois-Rivières
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 Trois-Rivières residents with straightforward estates.
If you die without a will in Trois-Rivières
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 Trois-Rivières 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 Trois-Rivières 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 Trois-Rivières? A notarial will signed before a Quebec notary. Do common-law partners inherit in Trois-Rivières? No — Quebec law does not give conjoints de fait any default share. Only a will can. Is probate expensive in Trois-Rivières? There's no provincial probate tax — only verification fees.
Not legal advice. General information about Quebec law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Trois-Rivières estate lawyer.
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