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. Go 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.