Will Document Checklists

1. Review Will Document

Carefully read and review your Last Will and Testament.
Do not proceed to the next step until you fully understand and agree with the contents of the Last Will.

2. Signing and Witnesses

The law requires two individuals to witness your signature.
Each witness must be of age and mentally competent.
Both witnesses must be present at the same time and sign the last page alongside you.
The following individuals, including their spouses or common-law partners, can not serve as witnesses:
- Executors of your Will
- Guardians, pet guardians and backups
- Potential beneficiaries of your Estate

3. Initial every page of your will

It is important that the testator initials every page of the Will to ensure the document is complete and no pages have been altered.
This step helps to confirm the authenticity of the Will and protects against potential disputes.

4. Recommended: Have one of your witnesses complete an Affidavit of Execution

Your will is legally valid as long as you follow the signing and witnessing instructions.
However, after you pass away, your estate may be required to go through probate. If probate is required, your Executor has to provide an Affidavit of Execution completed by your witnesses. The Affidavit must be signed before someone authorized to receive sworn or affirmed statements in your province (for example, a lawyer, notary, or commissioner of oaths).
If you update your will in the future, you will need to get a new Affidavit of Execution.

5. Store the Last Will in a secure location

Store your documents in a secure location that your Executor can easily access, such as a filing cabinet or locked drawer.
Ensure your Executor and a trusted family member know where your documents are stored.
Provide your Executor and a family member with clear instructions on how to access these documents in case of an emergency.

1. Review Will Document

Read and review your Power of Attorney for Property carefully.
This document authorizes your chosen Attorney to act on your behalf regarding your property and financial situation.
This only takes effect if you become mentally incapable of managing your affairs.
Your Attorney will have broad powers, including using your property to benefit your loved ones.
Certain people can not be your Attorney including:
- Any person who provides paid health care, residential, training, or support for you where you live, unless that person is also your spouse, common law partner, or relative.
- Your landlord, social worker, counsellor, teacher, doctor, nurse, therapist, homemaker, attendant, or other health care provider.
If you need to make any changes, make them and re-print the document.
Do not proceed to the next step until you fully understand and agree with the POA for Property.

2. Signing and Witnesses

The law requires two people to witness your signature.
Each witness must be the age of majority and mentally competent.
The witnesses must be present at the same time, and sign the last page with you together.

The following individuals, including their spouses or common-law partners, can not serve as witnesses:
- Your spouse, common-law partner, child, or anyone that you treat as your child.
- Your chosen Attorney, or their spouse or common-law partner.
- Anyone whose property is under your guardianship.
- Anyone who has a child of yours under their guardianship.

3. Store in a secure location

Store your documents in a secure location that your Attorney can easily access, such as a filing cabinet or locked drawer.
Ensure your Attorney and a trusted family member know where your documents are stored.
Provide your Attorney and a family member with clear instructions on how to access these documents in case of an emergency.

1. Review Will Document

Read and review your Power of Attorney for Personal Care carefully.
This document authorizes your Attorney to make your personal and health care decisions.
This only takes effect if and when you become mentally incapable of managing your affairs.
Your Attorney and service providers must continually determine whether you have mental capacity.
Certain people can not be your Attorney including:
- Any person who provides paid health care, residential, training, or support for you where you live, unless that person is also your spouse, common law partner, or relative.
- Your landlord, social worker, counsellor, teacher, doctor, nurse, therapist, homemaker, attendant, or other health care provider.

If you need to make any changes, make them and re-print the document.
Do not proceed to the next step until you fully understand and agree with this document.

2. Signing and Witnesses

The law requires two people to witness your signature.
Each witness must be the age of majority and mentally competent.
The witnesses must be present at the same time, and sign the last page with you together.

The following individuals, including their spouses or common-law partners, can not serve as witnesses:
- Your spouse, common-law partner, child, or anyone that you treat as your child.
- Your chosen Attorney, or their spouse or common-law partner.
- Anyone whose property is under your guardianship.
- Anyone who has a child of yours under their guardianship.

3. Store in a secure location

Store your documents in a secure place that your Attorney can access, such as a filing cabinet or secure drawer.
Ensure your Attorney and a trusted family member know where your documents are stored.
Provide your Attorney and a family member with clear instructions on how to access these documents in case of an emergency.

Learn about the Will Document Checklist