What are funeral pre-arrangements?

Funeral pre-arrangements allow you to plan and, if you choose, prepay your funeral in advance. This protects your family from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief.

Is it legally binding?

In Quebec, funeral pre-arrangement contracts are governed by the Act respecting prearranged funeral services and sepultures. A signed contract with a partner funeral home is legally binding and regulated by the province.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary based on your choices (cremation, burial, ceremony). Our free guide includes a detailed price grid. See our pricing page for current ranges in Quebec.

Is my money protected?

Yes. In Quebec, funds paid under a pre-arrangement contract must be placed in a trust fund or annuity. Your money is protected by law even if the funeral home closes.

Can I change my mind later?

Yes. You can modify your arrangements or cancel your contract. Refund terms are governed by Quebec law. Our advisors can guide you through the process at no cost.

Is it available everywhere in Quebec?

Our partner network covers all of Quebec including Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Sherbrooke and remote regions. Start online and a local advisor will follow up with you.

How long does it take?

Completing your online questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. You receive a personalized plan within 48 hours. Signing your contract with our funeral partner typically takes a one-hour meeting.

Can you get a refund on a funeral pre-arrangement in Quebec?

Yes. You have a 10-day cancellation window after signing the contract to cancel without penalty and receive a full refund. After that period, a partial refund may be available depending on contract terms and OPC rules.

Refund on a Funeral Pre-Arrangement Contract in Quebec

Signing a pre-arrangement is a significant decision. But life changes — and Quebec law recognizes this reality by granting you clear cancellation rights. Here is what you need to know.

The 10-day cancellation right: an absolute right

From the moment you sign a pre-arrangement contract, you have 10 calendar days to cancel without providing a reason and without any penalty. The funeral home is required to refund all amounts paid within this period. This is a right guaranteed by law — the funeral home cannot override it regardless of contract clauses.

To exercise this right, send written notice (email with acknowledgment of receipt or registered mail) to the funeral home within 10 days of signing.

After 10 days: partial refund may be available

After the 10-day period, the situation becomes more nuanced. Several factors come into play:

Services not yet rendered: Funds corresponding to services not yet provided may be refundable, minus certain administrative fees.
Services already rendered: If some services have already been provided (for example, certain planning fees), those amounts may be retained.
Contract terms: Read the cancellation clauses of your contract carefully before signing.

Trust funds belong to you

Because your payments are legally required to be held in a trust account, unused funds revert to you upon cancellation — they never fully belong to the funeral home until services are rendered. This is one of the most important protections in the Quebec system.

What to do in case of a dispute

If a funeral home refuses to refund amounts you are entitled to, you can:

File a complaint with the OPC (opc.gouv.qc.ca)
Contact your region's Centre de justice de proximité
Consult a lawyer specializing in consumer law

Before cancelling: consider a transfer

Before fully cancelling a pre-arrangement, ask whether your contract can be transferred to another funeral home — especially if you are moving to another region or province. This option may avoid cancellation fees while preserving your planning.

Updated: March 2026