Wills in Québec: searching, types of wills and next steps
After a death, the will notably names the heirs and the liquidator. Here is how to find out whether one exists, the main forms recognized in Québec, and what to prepare next.
Finding out whether a will exists
In Québec, a will search is mandatory after a death. Québec.ca directs you to search BOTH the Chambre des notaires and the Barreau du Québec registers through their single-window service. You receive two search certificates, one for each register.
Also check the person's papers and personal belongings and ask relatives: a non-notarial will may be found there without having been registered.
Types of wills in Québec
Québec recognizes three forms of wills: the notarial will, the holograph will and the will made before witnesses. A notary or lawyer can confirm a will's validity and address particular circumstances.
The notarial will
Prepared by a notary, who keeps the original.
The holograph will
Written entirely by hand and signed by the testator (the person making the will). No witnesses are required.
The will made before witnesses
May be handwritten or typed. The testator must declare that the document is their will and sign it before two adult witnesses who have the capacity to act as witnesses.
Verification, when required
Holograph wills and wills made before witnesses must be verified after the death. A notarial will does not require verification. Verification can be carried out by a notary or the Superior Court. A notary or lawyer can confirm the appropriate procedure for your situation.
Its role in the estate
The will usually names the liquidator and the heirs, and may provide for specific bequests or conditions. Without a will, the law determines who inherits; Québec.ca presents the procedure and rules.
What to prepare
- Official proof of death
- The two register search certificates, once received
- The will found, without altering or annotating it
- A list of relatives and possible heirs
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if there is a will?
After a death in Québec, searching BOTH the Chambre des notaires and the Barreau du Québec registers is mandatory. The single-window service provides two search certificates. Also check the person's papers and personal belongings for a possible non-notarial will.
What if there are several wills?
Do not destroy any document. A notary or lawyer can determine which one applies.
And if there is no will?
The law sets out who inherits and how the liquidator is designated. Québec.ca describes the procedure.
Can PASSARA write a will?
No. PASSARA does not write or interpret wills; consult a notary or lawyer.
PASSARA guides to go further
Related topics
Official sources
- Québec.caWill search (in French)
- Québec.caRecognized forms of wills (in French)
- Québec.caNotarial will (in French)
- Québec.caHolograph will (in French)
- Québec.caWill made before witnesses (in French)
- Québec.caVerification of a will (in French)
- Chambre des notaires du QuébecSearch of the registers of wills and mandates (in French)
- Barreau du QuébecSearch of the register of wills and mandates (in French)
- Québec.caTypes of heirs
- Québec.caDeath without a will — procedure and rules
PASSARA helps you organize what comes next, one step at a time
PASSARA guides you through the will search and the steps that follow, with the official sources.
Get started after a deathThe other PASSARA guides
Content last checked: October 12, 2026. Official information can change: always consult the official sources linked on this page.
PASSARA provides general information and does not replace the advice of a notary, lawyer, tax specialist or other qualified professional.
Back to home