Expat Will for Nova Scotia Residents
If you are a Nova Scotian living abroad, an Expat Will ensures your Canadian assets in Nova Scotia are distributed according to your wishes and the Wills Act. Protect your property back home.
Nova Scotia Legal Context
Expat Will Law in Nova Scotia
Understanding the legal framework for your expat will in NS.
An Expat Will is designed for Nova Scotians living outside Canada who still own assets in Nova Scotia. Under the Wills Act, your Nova Scotia will covers only your Canadian assets, allowing a separate will in your country of residence to handle foreign property without conflict.
Requirements
What You Need in Nova Scotia
Key requirements for a valid expat will in NS.
- ✓Must have assets located in Nova Scotia
- ✓Must be a Canadian citizen or have Canadian property interests
- ✓Will must comply with the Wills Act
- ✓Two witnesses required who must sign in the testator's presence
- ✓Should not conflict with wills in your country of residence
- ✓Consider including a clause limiting scope to Canadian assets only
How It Works
Create Your Expat Will in Nova Scotia
A simple, guided process — done in minutes.
List Your Canadian Assets
Identify all property, bank accounts, investments, and other assets you own in Nova Scotia that should be covered by your Expat Will.
Set Up Beneficiaries
Name who should inherit your Nova Scotia assets. Our system ensures the will is scoped to Canadian property only.
Download Your Expat Will
Get your Nova Scotia-compliant Expat Will as a PDF, ready to print, sign, and witness per the Wills Act.
FAQ
Expat Will in Nova Scotia — Common Questions
Why do I need an Expat Will if I already have a will abroad?
A foreign will may inadvertently revoke your Canadian will, or it may not be recognised for Nova Scotia assets. An Expat Will is specifically scoped to your Canadian property and complies with the Wills Act, preventing conflicts between jurisdictions.
What Nova Scotia assets does an Expat Will cover?
An Expat Will can cover real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and any other property located in Nova Scotia. It explicitly excludes assets in other countries, which should be covered by a separate will in your country of residence.
Do I need to return to Nova Scotia to sign my Expat Will?
No. You can sign your Expat Will abroad. However, you must follow the witnessing rules of the Wills Act: two witnesses required who must sign in the testator's presence. Many expats have their will witnessed at a Canadian consulate or embassy.
What if my foreign will contradicts my Nova Scotia Expat Will?
This is exactly why an Expat Will is important. Each will should contain a clause limiting its scope — your Expat Will to Nova Scotia assets only, and your foreign will to foreign assets only. This prevents one will from revoking the other.
More Services
Other Services in Nova Scotia
Explore our full suite of estate planning tools for Nova Scotia residents.
Will
Create your Will online, compliant with the Wills Act. Free and guided.
Enduring Power of Attorney
Set up a Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive to protect your financial and personal affairs.
Expat Will
Living abroad? Protect your Nova Scotia assets with an Expat Will that complies with local legislation.
Personal Directive
Document your healthcare wishes in a Personal Directive so your medical preferences are honoured.
Farewell Planning
Plan your memorial or celebration of life in Nova Scotia. Document every detail for your family.
Digital Vault
Securely store your Nova Scotia estate documents, passwords, and digital assets in one encrypted location.
Ready to create your expat will in Nova Scotia?
Start now — create your legal documents online with Livewill.