Losing a loved one is a profound experience. In the hours and days that follow, you may need to make practical decisions while still in shock. This page is designed to guide you step by step, clearly and without jargon.
Take the time you need. Everything that follows can be done gradually, with the help of those around you or a professional.
In the first hours
Have the death certified. If the death occurs at home, call 811 (Info-Santé) or 911. A doctor or paramedic must officially certify the death. Without this certification, no funeral process can begin. If the death occurs in a hospital or long-term care facility, staff handle this automatically.
Contact a funeral home. Ideally within 24 to 48 hours. The funeral home handles the transfer of the body and guides you through all administrative steps. If a pre-arrangement existed, contact the funeral home designated in the contract directly.
In the first few days
Obtain the death certificate. The Directeur de l'état civil du Québec is the only body authorized to issue official death certificates. The funeral home generally submits the death declaration on your behalf. Allow several weeks to receive the certificates. Order several copies upfront — you will need them for banks, insurance companies and government agencies.
Notify the employer. If the deceased was employed, the employer should be notified promptly for questions of group life insurance, final pay and benefits.
Notify family and organize the ceremony. The funeral home can help you prepare death notices (newspapers, social media) and coordinate the ceremony according to the deceased's wishes.
Within the first week
Contact financial institutions. Banks and caisses populaires must be notified of the death. Joint accounts can generally remain active, but personal accounts are frozen until the estate is settled.
Notify the federal government. Contact Service Canada (1-800-206-7218) for employment insurance, old age security, and the Canada Pension Plan if applicable.
Notify Retraite Québec. For the QPP death benefit (up to $2,500) and survivor pensions if applicable. Apply at retraitequebec.gouv.qc.ca.
Notify the RAMQ. The deceased person's health insurance card must be returned to the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec.
Within the first month
Open the estate. A notary or lawyer can help you inventory assets and identify heirs. If a will exists, it must be probated or verified. If no will exists, the rules of legal succession apply under the Civil Code of Quebec.
Notify insurers. Life insurance, home insurance, auto insurance — all must be informed of the death. Some policies provide for reimbursements or beneficiary transfers.
Notify Revenu Québec and the Canada Revenue Agency. A final income tax return must be filed for the year of death. An accountant or tax specialist can help.
You do not have to do all of this alone
Many professionals can support you through this process: notaries, accountants, funeral advisors. A well-structured pre-arrangement significantly reduces the administrative burden on your family — one of the most concrete reasons to plan during your lifetime.