Thanksgiving is one of those rare times of year when the pace slows down naturally. Families come together, conversations run long, and we sometimes find ourselves thinking about what truly matters. It's also, perhaps unexpectedly, a meaningful time to reflect on what you want to protect and pass on — not out of urgency, but with clarity and intention.
A Moment to Reflect, Not to Worry
This isn't about weighing down a long weekend with legal concerns. But the reality is straightforward: many adults in Quebec don't yet have a drafted will, haven't signed a protection mandate, and have never formally designated a tutor for their minor children. That's not a failure — it's usually a matter of time and competing priorities.
A holiday spent with family can be the moment you finally tell yourself it's time to take care of it. And that intention, when followed through with a concrete step, carries real value for the people you love.
What "Protecting Your Family" Means from a Notarial Standpoint
The Will
Without a will, Quebec law determines how your assets will be distributed upon your death. That distribution doesn't always reflect your actual wishes. Having a notarial will drafted allows you to express your intentions clearly and give them a legally binding form that cannot be challenged on procedural grounds.
The Protection Mandate
This document establishes who will make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself — whether due to an accident, illness, or cognitive decline. Without a homologated protection mandate, your loved ones may find themselves in a legally complicated position when trying to act in your name. The Civil Code of Québec governs this process, and a notary can guide you through drafting one.
Designating a Tutor for Minor Children
For parents of young children, this is often the most emotionally charged question. Who will care for your children if you're no longer here? The answer can be set out in your will, and it deserves careful thought before it's formalized.
Family Patrimony: What It Actually Covers
The word "patrimony" tends to conjure images of great wealth. In practice, it refers to everything a person or couple owns: a home, savings, a vehicle, investments, sometimes a business. Under Quebec law, certain assets are subject to specific rules between spouses — whether married or in a civil union.
Taking stock of what you own, understanding how those assets would be handled in the event of death or incapacity, and ensuring your wishes are clearly documented: that's what serious notarial planning makes possible. In Laval and across Quebec, it often starts with a first conversation with a notary.
Family Decisions That Deserve Formal Validation
Families often make decisions among themselves — about how assets will be shared, who will care for the children, or how an aging parent will be looked after — without ever having those decisions legally validated. These informal arrangements, however sincere, have no legal weight unless they are recorded in a notarial act or a recognized legal document.
That's precisely what a notary formalizes: your intentions are given a form that is enforceable, protected, and respected.
What to Expect at a First Consultation
A first meeting with a notary is not a commitment. It's a structured conversation where you share your situation — family, assets, personal circumstances — and the notary explains which documents would be relevant for you. You leave with a clearer picture of where things stand and, if you choose, a plan of action.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you come in. Just bring your questions.
Consult Groupe Synergie Notaires
If this holiday has inspired you to take the next step, now is a good time to book an appointment. Me Mirabela Petrulian and the team at Groupe Synergie Notaires welcome you at 67 boulevard Samson in Laval (Sainte-Dorothée) for a no-pressure consultation tailored to your situation.
Contact us at (514) 399-1009 or info@gsnotaires.com to schedule your meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own a home or have children before drafting a will?
There's no minimum asset threshold for drafting a will — any adult can put their wishes on record, regardless of their situation. It's worth consulting a notary to determine what makes sense for you.
What is the difference between a protection mandate and a will?
A will expresses your wishes for after your death, while a protection mandate designates someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated during your lifetime. The two documents are distinct and complementary.
What happens to my assets in Quebec if I die without a will?
Quebec law provides rules of legal devolution that apply in the absence of a will, but those rules don't necessarily reflect your personal wishes. Me Petrulian will walk you through the details during your consultation.
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As each situation is unique, it is recommended that you consult a professional to obtain advice tailored to your particular situation.