• Be at least 18 years old or legal age for the state or province you are living in or an emancipated minor.
  
• Know what a will is.
• Know that you are making a will.
• Understand the relationship between yourself and the people who care for you (i.e. immediate family members, including spouse and family).
• Expressly state that this document is your will.
• Sign and date the will.
• Signed ("attested") by at least two or three witnesses:

The number of required witnesses depends on province or state law. It is recommended the witnesses not be related to you.

Must have on substantive provision that:

• Appoints a guardian for any minor children
• Lists who inherits specific items.
• States what happens to remaining property not specifically mentioned in the will.

Must appoint an executor:

• Responsible for supervising the distribution of property.
• Makes sure that all your debts and taxes are paid.

It is suggested that:

• If you had previous wills, instructions should be provided as to where they may be located as this will is the only one in force.

Requirements for a Trust:

• Valid declaration of trust form.
• Sign over the required deeds for property such as homes and automobiles that will be included in the trust.