Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Newfoundland and Labrador

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

The three documents and how to make them

The Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) explains the three documents. Will (Wills Act): maker at least 17 with capacity, free of pressure; we did not find the witnessing rules. Enduring power of attorney: in writing, signed by the donor and one independent witness (not the attorney or their spouse or partner), stating that it continues despite incapacity; the attorney must be 19 or older. Advance health care directive: age 16 or older and competent, written and signed by the maker and two independent witnesses; the substitute decision maker accepts in writing and must be 19 or older. The guides are from 2008 to 2023: confirm against the statutes.

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 Newfoundland and Labrador

The three documents and how to make them

Guides for this province