Will search in Québec
Will search is an important step after a death. It makes it possible to verify whether the deceased person left a registered will and to obtain the certificates required to proceed with certain estate settlement steps.
What DOCUGO does for you
DOCUGO supports you with preparing the application, validating the information, submitting the required documents, administrative follow-up, and delivering the available results. You can also review all the detailed steps of our process.
What is the purpose of a will search?
A will search is used to confirm whether a will exists or does not exist in the official registers. This step helps avoid settling an estate without having verified whether a more recent will exists.
Is it mandatory?
Yes. After a death, a will search must be carried out to verify whether a will exists and to confirm that the estate settlement steps are based on the most recent known will.
What does the will search certificate contain?
The will search certificate confirms the result of the search. It may indicate whether a will is registered and, if so, with which professional or registry it is kept.
Does the certificate contain the will?
No. The certificate does not contain the will. It confirms the result of the search. If a will is found, a copy will need to be requested from the location indicated on the certificate or in accordance with the applicable procedures.
Which documents are required?
To apply for a will search in Quebec, you generally need to provide information about the deceased, the applicant's contact details, and official proof of death, such as a death certificate or a copy of the death record.
Who can make the request?
The application may be submitted by an authorized person, such as a family member, a liquidator, or an authorized representative. DOCUGO supports these individuals with preparing, submitting, and following up on the application administratively.
Regular or expedited service
DOCUGO offers two timeframes for your will search: 20 business days for regular service and 3 to 5 business days for expedited service, after receipt of a complete file. The expedited service is useful when you need to obtain search results quickly to proceed with the estate settlement, particularly if you are considering renouncing it. The choice of service does not speed up the process of obtaining the death certificate from the Directeur de l’état civil.
Start a will search
You can start your request online. The secure form allows you to submit the required information and, if available, your death certificate or copy of an act of death.
DOCUGO provides administrative support. For any legal questions, please consult a notary or a lawyer. See our frequently asked questions or contact our team if you need help completing your process.