What To Do When A Loved-One Dies

A Checklist to Help Organize Your Thoughts

Some of the items below should be left to the person appointed in the deceased's will as the Executor of the estate. Most can be done by next of kin or other close family or friends.  

• Notify immediate family and close friends
• Contact other friends and relatives
• Assign someone to assist with communication and arrangements
• Contact the deceased's religious leader, if applicable
• Notify local police or coroner, especially if death occurs at home
• Notify the deceased's employer
• Contact the funeral home to arrange for the transfer of the body
• Contact the funeral director to arrange services and burial or cremation
• Arrange for a funeral, memorial, or other service as desired
• Place death notices or obituaries in newspapers or online
• Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate from the funeral home
• Locate and provide the will, estate plan, or other legal documents
• Notify the executor of the will
• Notify the deceased’s banks and financial institutions
• Contact life insurance companies and begin the claim process
• Notify car insurance companies and update or cancel policies
• Notify home or renter's insurance provider and update or cancel policy
• Notify mortgage holders, credit card companies, and other lenders
• Transfer or close investment accounts such as RRSPs, TFSAs, and other assets
• Claim the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) death benefit or survivor benefit, if applicable
• Notify the deceased's pension plan provider, if applicable
• Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and file a death notice for income tax purposes
• Notify the Provincial tax authority about the death
• Notify the Provincial Health Authority to update or cancel healthcare coverage
• Notify Social Insurance (Service Canada) and return the deceased’s Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Notify the municipality regarding property taxes and utilities
• Change vehicle ownership and update vehicle registration and licensing
• Inform clubs, associations, and membership organizations of the death and cancel memberships
• Cancel the deceased’s cell phone plan and arrange to transfer the number, if needed
• Inform the apartment superintendent or landlord, if applicable
• Cancel or update subscriptions for magazines, internet, cable, or other services
• Check the deceased's calendar and cancel any upcoming appointments or commitments
• Safely dispose of prescription medications and any medical appliances
• Review the deceased’s mail and redirect or stop as needed

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