New Brunswick · NB

Estate Planning in New Brunswick: Province-Specific Guidance

Estate planning in New Brunswick works best when your Will, incapacity documents, beneficiary designations, and executor instructions all line up with New Brunswick rules and your family’s real-world decision-making structure.

Population

0.8M

Capital

Fredericton

Will Legislation

Wills Act

Age Requirement

19 years of age or older (age of majority in NB)

Legal Overview

Estate Law in New Brunswick

Key facts about wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives in NB.

Wills & Succession

In New Brunswick, wills are governed by the Wills Act. A will is referred to as a “Will”. Must be 19 years of age or older (age of majority in NB) to create a valid will. Two witnesses required. Holograph (handwritten) wills are not recognised — proper witnessing is required.

Powers of Attorney

New Brunswick uses the term “Power of Attorney” for financial decision-making and “Advance Health Care Directive” for personal and health care decisions. These are essential documents that protect you if you become incapacitated.

Advance Directives

In New Brunswick, advance care planning documents are known as a “Advance Health Care Directive”. This document lets you specify your healthcare wishes and appoint a substitute decision-maker. New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, and estate documents can be created in English or French.

City Guides

Estate Planning by City in New Brunswick

Browse local pages for major New Brunswick cities. Start with Fredericton, the provincial capital.

Local considerations

What matters most in New Brunswick

Backend-managed planning notes for New Brunswick residents.

Use New Brunswick terminology accurately so your documents match local legal expectations.

Keep signed originals, account records, and executor instructions easy to find when they are needed.

Review your estate documents after major family, property, health, or business changes.

Coordinate your Will with any beneficiary designations so money flows where you actually intend.

How often should I review an estate plan in New Brunswick?

Every two to three years is a good baseline, and sooner after a major life event or legal change.

Do most adults in New Brunswick need more than just a will?

Usually yes. A solid plan typically includes a Will plus the right incapacity documents for New Brunswick.

Start your New Brunswick estate plan

Create your documents online, then print and sign them properly for use in New Brunswick.