French Language Wills
Bulletin information:
Issue Date: October 4, 1994
Legislation: The Land Titles Act, The Registry Act
Bulletin content:
Land Registrars were advised in Bulletin 81029 that French language wills requiring a translation prior to registration would be translated free of charge. We are now advised by the Co-ordinator of French Language Services that this service is no longer provided because French language instruments or documents are accepted for registration or deposit as the case may be, in designated offices.
As a result, Land Registrars are not to accept French language wills for the purpose of translation into English. In designated offices, the French language will is to be accepted for registration without a translation into English provided it meets with all other registration requirements.
In all other land registry offices, the registrant must provide the following at the time of registration:
- the original will or letters probate or a notarial copy thereof;
- the English translation of the French will; and,
- a supporting affidavit of the translator of the will stating that he or she understands both languages and has carefully compared the translation with the original and the translation is in all respects a true and correct translation. (see: section 43 Registry Act and section 84 Land Titles Act, R.S.O. 1990).
All other registration requirements must be complied with.
This bulletin supersedes Bulletin No. 81029 dated December 7th, 1981.
Original signed by:
Anthony G. Sharp, Deputy Director of Land Registration
Katherine M. Murray, Director of Titles