Estate Planning in Nova Scotia: Province-Specific Guidance
Estate planning in Nova Scotia works best when your Will, incapacity documents, beneficiary designations, and executor instructions all line up with Nova Scotia rules and your family’s real-world decision-making structure.
Population
1.0M
Capital
Halifax
Will Legislation
Wills Act
Age Requirement
19 years of age or older (age of majority in NS)
Our Services
Estate Planning Tools for Nova Scotia
Everything you need to protect your family and assets in NS.
Will
Create your Will online, compliant with the Wills Act. Free and guided.
Learn more →Enduring Power of Attorney
Set up a Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive to protect your financial and personal affairs.
Learn more →Expat Will
Living abroad? Protect your Nova Scotia assets with an Expat Will that complies with local legislation.
Learn more →Personal Directive
Document your healthcare wishes in a Personal Directive so your medical preferences are honoured.
Learn more →Farewell Planning
Plan your memorial or celebration of life in Nova Scotia. Document every detail for your family.
Learn more →Digital Vault
Securely store your Nova Scotia estate documents, passwords, and digital assets in one encrypted location.
Learn more →Legal Overview
Estate Law in Nova Scotia
Key facts about wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives in NS.
Wills & Succession
In Nova Scotia, 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 NS) to create a valid will. Two witnesses required who must sign in the testator's presence. Holograph (handwritten) wills are not recognised — proper witnessing is required.
Powers of Attorney
Nova Scotia uses the term “Enduring Power of Attorney” for financial decision-making and “Personal Directive” for personal and health care decisions. These are essential documents that protect you if you become incapacitated.
Advance Directives
In Nova Scotia, advance care planning documents are known as a “Personal Directive”. This document lets you specify your healthcare wishes and appoint a substitute decision-maker. Nova Scotia requires testators to be 19 (the provincial age of majority) rather than 18 to create a valid will.
City Guides
Estate Planning by City in Nova Scotia
Browse local pages for major Nova Scotia cities. Start with Halifax, the provincial capital.
Local considerations
What matters most in Nova Scotia
Backend-managed planning notes for Nova Scotia residents.
Use Nova Scotia 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 Nova Scotia?
Every two to three years is a good baseline, and sooner after a major life event or legal change.
Do most adults in Nova Scotia need more than just a will?
Usually yes. A solid plan typically includes a Will plus the right incapacity documents for Nova Scotia.
All Provinces
Estate Planning Across Canada
Livewill is available in every province and territory.
Start your Nova Scotia estate plan
Create your documents online, then print and sign them properly for use in Nova Scotia.