Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Manitoba

How to make a valid will, an enduring power of attorney and a personal or health care directive in Manitoba: signing and witnessing rules and who can help, from the official pages.

The three documents and how to make them

Will: age 18 or older (exceptions for married minors, armed forces and sailors); formal will in writing, signed at the end in front of two witnesses present together, who sign in the testator's presence; a holograph will (wholly handwritten, signed and dated) needs no witnesses; a witness and the witness's spouse generally cannot benefit. Enduring power of attorney: in writing, signed by the donor in front of one witness who must be a lawyer, notary, qualified medical practitioner, police officer or other listed professional (not the attorney or their spouse), stating that it continues despite incompetence; it does not cover health care. Health care directive: sign and date it, no witness required. Part of this comes from a guide about 13 years old.

Official page ↗

A will, a power of attorney for property and a document naming someone for personal or health decisions are three different tools: a power of attorney ends at death and cannot make a will, and a will does nothing while you are alive. Formalities are strict (a missed witness rule can void a document) and some sources below are old or incomplete: for a large or complex situation, see a lawyer or a public legal information service. Rules, fees and programs change and were read on 2026-11-14: confirm with the official source. General information, not legal advice. Quebec follows its own rules: see atlasquebec.ca.

Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Manitoba

The three documents and how to make them

Guides for this province