What is the minimum age to make a will in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, the minimum age is 18. A will by a person under 18 is not valid unless, at the time of making it, the person is or has been married, is a member of a regular force component of the Canadian Forces, or is a person described in s.5 (military on active service or a mariner) (The Wills Act s.8(1)).

Is a handwritten (holograph) will valid in Manitoba?

Valid: entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed (s.6). No witnesses required.

What is a power of attorney for property called in Manitoba?

In Manitoba it is called a "Enduring Power of Attorney". The person appointed is the attorney. Witnessing: 1 witness required, but the witness MUST be a member of a listed profession: marriage-solemnizer, judge or justice of the peace, doctor, notary, Manitoba lawyer, RCMP officer, or police officer (s.11). The attorney and their spouse/common-law partner cannot witness (s.11(2)).

What is a personal-care directive called in Manitoba?

In Manitoba it is called a "Health Care Directive". The person appointed is the proxy. Witnessing: No witness required if the maker self-signs (s.8). Remote witnessing permitted under s.8.1. Treatment instructions and the proxy appointment may be in the same document.

What laws govern wills and powers of attorney in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, wills are governed by the The Wills Act, C.C.S.M. c. W150, and powers of attorney for property by the The Powers of Attorney Act, C.C.S.M. c. P97. Each section on this page links to the official source.

FREE GUIDE: MB

Wills & Power of Attorney: Manitoba

This page is the free Manitoba guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.

Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check

Province-specific rules for Manitoba: will requirements (age 18, holograph valid), and the Enduring Power of Attorney, and the Health Care Directive.

General information only, not legal advice. This guide creates no will, POA, or directive. Laws change; consult a lawyer and verify current rules directly with the official provincial source before acting.

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Part 1: Will
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Minimum age
18 years old
A will by a person under 18 is not valid unless, at the time of making it, the person is or has been married, is a member of a regular force component of the Canadian Forces, or is a person described in s.5 (military on active service or a mariner) (The Wills Act s.8(1)).
Witnesses required
2 witnesses present at the same time (s.4).
Holograph (handwritten, no witnesses)
VALID
Valid: entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed (s.6). No witnesses required.
Curative power (court can fix a flawed will)
YES
Courts have curative / dispensing power (s.23) to give effect to a document as a will.
Official source
The Wills Act, C.C.S.M. c. W150
Never have a beneficiary witness your will
A beneficiary's gift is void if the beneficiary or their spouse/common-law partner witnesses the will (s.12). The court has a saving power (s.12(3)).
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2
Part 2: Power of Attorney for Property
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Called in Manitoba
Enduring Power of Attorney
The person you appoint is called
attorney
Witnessing required
1 witness required, but the witness MUST be a member of a listed profession: marriage-solemnizer, judge or justice of the peace, doctor, notary, Manitoba lawyer, RCMP officer, or police officer (s.11). The attorney and their spouse/common-law partner cannot witness (s.11(2)).
Enduring (survives incapacity)
Yes, survives incapacity (must be drafted as "enduring").
Can be made springing (contingent on incapacity)
Yes, can take effect only when a triggering event (such as incapacity certified by a doctor) occurs. Discuss with a lawyer.
Official source
The Powers of Attorney Act, C.C.S.M. c. P97
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If you go the do-it-yourself route, a template service such as LawDepot's power of attorney walks you through the questions; the witnessing rules above still apply.
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Part 3: Personal-Care / Health-Care Directive
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Called in Manitoba
Health Care Directive
The person you appoint is called
proxy
Witnessing required
No witness required if the maker self-signs (s.8). Remote witnessing permitted under s.8.1. Treatment instructions and the proxy appointment may be in the same document.
Official source
The Health Care Directives Act, C.C.S.M. c. H27
Partner · Guidepost earns a commission
If you go the do-it-yourself route, a template service such as LawDepot's personal directive walks you through the questions; the witnessing rules above still apply.
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4
When to see a lawyer in Manitoba
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Making or updating a will: always recommended. A lawyer-drafted will is typically inexpensive relative to estate value.
Any power of attorney for property or personal-care directive, the person you appoint will have significant authority.
Complex situations: business interests, cross-border assets, blended family, minor children, or capacity concerns.
Verify current rules with a lawyer, legislation changes and this guide may not reflect the most recent amendments.
Download the Manitoba checklist
All the instrument names, witnessing rules, and checklist items above in a branded PDF. Free. This checklist does not create any legal document.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 7 of the Home File.
Next step
Executor Guide: Manitoba
Named as executor? Probate, CRA TX19, compensation.
When Someone Dies: Manitoba
Death Certificate, Service Canada, CRA: free checklist.
Where Everything Is: the non-legal companion to a will and powers of attorney →
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5
Common questions: Manitoba
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What is the minimum age to make a will in Manitoba?
In Manitoba, the minimum age is 18. A will by a person under 18 is not valid unless, at the time of making it, the person is or has been married, is a member of a regular force component of the Canadian Forces, or is a person described in s.5 (military on active service or a mariner) (The Wills Act s.8(1)).
Is a handwritten (holograph) will valid in Manitoba?
Valid: entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed (s.6). No witnesses required.
What is a power of attorney for property called in Manitoba?
In Manitoba it is called a "Enduring Power of Attorney". The person appointed is the attorney. Witnessing: 1 witness required, but the witness MUST be a member of a listed profession: marriage-solemnizer, judge or justice of the peace, doctor, notary, Manitoba lawyer, RCMP officer, or police officer (s.11). The attorney and their spouse/common-law partner cannot witness (s.11(2)).
What is a personal-care directive called in Manitoba?
In Manitoba it is called a "Health Care Directive". The person appointed is the proxy. Witnessing: No witness required if the maker self-signs (s.8). Remote witnessing permitted under s.8.1. Treatment instructions and the proxy appointment may be in the same document.
What laws govern wills and powers of attorney in Manitoba?
In Manitoba, wills are governed by the The Wills Act, C.C.S.M. c. W150, and powers of attorney for property by the The Powers of Attorney Act, C.C.S.M. c. P97. Each section on this page links to the official source.
Wills & POA guides for other provinces
ON: Ontario BC: British Columbia AB: Alberta SK: Saskatchewan QC: Quebec NB: New Brunswick NS: Nova Scotia PE: Prince Edward Island NL: Newfoundland & Labrador
Facts checked September 2026
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general informational purposes only. Full disclaimer
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Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.