Losing a loved one is an emotional and overwhelming experience. In addition to grief, there are several legal and logistical matters that must be handled promptly. Whether you are a family member, close friend, or estate executor, knowing what steps to take can help ensure everything is handled smoothly. Here are the nine essential steps to take immediately after someone dies in Canada.
1. Obtain a Medical Death Certificate
The first and most important step is obtaining a medical death certificate, which is an official document confirming the death.
Who Issues It?
- A doctor or registered nurse if the person passed away at home or in a hospital.
- A coroner if the death was sudden or unexplained.
This certificate is required for registering the death and managing estate matters.
Learn more about death certificates in Canada.
2. Register the Death
Once the medical death certificate is obtained, you must register the death with the provincial or territorial vital statistics office.
What You Need:
- Medical death certificate
- Identification documents of the deceased
- Completed death registration form (varies by province)
Registering the death allows you to receive a death certificate, which is required for estate administration and other legal processes.
3. Notify Close Family and Friends
Informing family and close friends is a difficult but necessary step. Consider reaching out personally or asking a trusted relative to help.
Tips for Notification:
- Contact immediate family members first.
- Notify close friends, employers, and colleagues.
- Consider using social media or an obituary notice to inform extended family and acquaintances.
4. Arrange Funeral or Memorial Services
Planning a funeral or memorial service honors the deceased and provides closure for loved ones. Depending on prior arrangements, this step may involve:
Key Considerations:
- Checking if the deceased had a prepaid funeral plan.
- Choosing between burial, cremation, or other cultural rites.
- Coordinating with a funeral home for transportation and service details.
- Writing an obituary for publication in newspapers or online.
5. Secure the Deceased’s Property
To protect assets from damage, theft, or unauthorized access, secure the deceased’s home and belongings immediately.
How to Secure Property:
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Collect mail and valuables to prevent identity theft.
- Inform the landlord or property management if applicable.
- Arrange for pet care if the deceased had pets.
6. Locate the Will and Estate Documents
If the deceased left a will, it should outline their wishes regarding asset distribution, guardianship, and funeral preferences.
Steps to Take:
- Locate the original will and ensure it is the most recent version.
- Identify the executor named in the will.
- If there is no will, the estate follows intestate succession laws in the relevant province.
Learn about estate laws in Canada.
7. Notify Government Agencies and Service Providers
Informing the necessary institutions prevents identity theft and ensures a smooth transition of benefits and accounts.
Agencies to Notify:
- Service Canada to cancel Old Age Security (OAS), CPP, and other benefits.
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to update tax records.
- Banks and financial institutions to freeze or transfer accounts.
- Insurance companies to process life insurance claims.
- Utility companies and subscription services to close or transfer accounts.
8. Manage Financial and Legal Matters
Handling financial and legal affairs includes settling debts, managing assets, and ensuring tax compliance.
Executor Responsibilities:
- Open an estate bank account to handle financial transactions.
- Pay outstanding debts and utility bills.
- File the final tax return of the deceased.
- Work with an estate lawyer for complex estates or legal disputes.
9. Begin the Estate Settlement Process
Once immediate tasks are handled, the executor or estate administrator must begin the estate settlement process. This involves:
Key Steps:
- Determining if probate is required.
- Collecting and valuing estate assets.
- Distributing inheritances to beneficiaries according to the will.
- Ensuring all legal obligations are met before closing the estate.
Handling a loved one’s passing is never easy, but following these nine steps ensures that legal, financial, and personal matters are managed effectively during a difficult time.
