What to do when someone dies in Canada

When someone dies, the person who has to act is often grieving and overwhelmed at the same time. This is a practical, Canada-wide checklist of the real steps, in the order they usually happen. It is general information, not legal or tax advice — confirm current requirements with Service Canada, the CRA, and a professional.

The first 48 hours

• Get a legal pronouncement and the death certificate — the funeral home usually registers the death and orders the certified copies you'll need repeatedly.
• Find the will and key documents — check with their lawyer or notary, and any safe, fireproof box, or filing cabinet.
• Notify close family and the employer, and secure the home, pets, and vehicles.

The first weeks

• Notify Service Canada — cancel CPP/OAS, and apply for the CPP death benefit and any survivor benefits.
• Contact the financial institutions — banks, investment firms, and insurers — one at a time, with a death certificate.
• Stop benefits, subscriptions, and payments to avoid overpayments that have to be repaid later.
• Locate life insurance policies and contact the insurers about beneficiary claims.

Settling the estate

• Determine whether probate (or, in Quebec, the notarial process) is needed — an estate lawyer or notary can advise.
• Apply for probate / a grant of administration if required by the province.
• File the final tax return with the CRA, and the estate's returns — an accountant can handle this.
• Pay debts and taxes, then distribute what remains according to the will (or intestacy rules).

Keep reading

• What to do when someone dies in Canada
• The Canadian estate-planning checklist
• Your digital legacy checklist
• Estate planning by province

This page is general information to help Canadian families spot gaps — it is not legal, tax, or financial advice, and it is not tailored to your situation. Terminology and rules can change; confirm specifics with a qualified lawyer. Meravor is not a law firm.