One of the most common questions people ask when considering a pre-arrangement is: "What if I change my mind?" It is a completely legitimate question, and the answer is reassuring. Quebec law protects you at every step.
The 10-day cancellation right — the baseline rule
Under RLRQ, chapter A-23.001, any consumer who signs a pre-arrangement contract has a 10 calendar day right of rescission. This right is absolute: you do not have to justify your decision, and the funeral home cannot impose any penalty. All amounts paid are reimbursed in full, generally with any interest earned in the trust fund.
The period begins on the day you receive your signed copy of the contract. If you signed on a Friday evening, for example, the period begins at that moment, not the following Monday.
How to exercise the 10-day cancellation right
To cancel your contract within the legal deadline:
- Send written notice to the funeral home (email with read receipt, or registered letter)
- Include your name, the contract signing date, and your clear intention to cancel
- Keep a copy of your notice with proof of delivery
- The funeral home has a reasonable period to refund you — typically 10 to 15 business days
What happens after 10 days?
After the 10-day period, you still have rights, but the situation is more nuanced. In principle, you can still modify the terms of your contract — change the service type, update your preferences, change beneficiaries. However, a full cancellation after this period may incur administrative fees, and the refunded amount may be partial depending on your contract terms.
The law governs these terms, but details vary from contract to contract. The best approach is to read your contract carefully and consult an advisor if you have questions. At MesFunerailles.ca, our advisors answer these questions at no cost and with no commitment.
What if the funeral home refuses to refund?
If a funeral home refuses to honour your rights — including the 10-day rescission right — you have clear recourse:
- File a complaint with the OPC at opc.gouv.qc.ca — it is free and complaints are taken seriously
- Consult a consumer law lawyer — many offer a free initial consultation
- Contact the Administrative Tribunal if the breach involves a professional conduct violation
Contract transferability
If you move or wish to change funeral homes for any reason, your contract can generally be transferred to another licensed Quebec funeral home. This transferability is an important right that many consumers are unaware of. Check with your advisor or the OPC to confirm the terms in your specific case.
Summary: your key rights
- Fee-free cancellation within 10 days — always
- Modifications possible after 10 days — with conditions
- Transferability to another funeral home
- OPC recourse in case of dispute
- Funds protected in trust — even in bankruptcy