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Oct 23, 2024 · On this page. Prepare a will. Appointing the right individuals. Power of attorney. Review your coverage. Prearrange a funeral. Caregiver financial assistance. Illness and disability. Have you contributed to the Canada Pension Plan or the Québec Pension Plan.
What to do when someone dies. Estates and wills. When someone has died, their belongings, property, assets and liabilities form their estate. Estate law, including wills and probate fees, falls under provincial and territorial jurisdiction.
- Get legal, tax and financial advice. Settling an estate can require professional help. You may need a lawyer, an accountant and a financial advisor. Those you know and already enjoy working with are the logical choice.
- Make funeral arrangements. Did your spouse purchase a cemetery plot or make other pre-arrangements? If not, you will need to select a funeral home. If you are unsure of which one to choose, consider asking a loved one to compare options.
- Apply for government benefits. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) pays a lump-sum death benefit of $2,500. You may be eligible for survivor benefits and children’s benefits as well.
- Contact your spouse’s past and recent employers. Was your spouse employed when they passed? If so, you may be eligible for group life or accident insurance benefits.
Checklist - What to do when someone dies. Browse through the different sections based your specific situation. You can adjust your answers in the Your answers section.
If you decide not to report it, or forget, the CRA will have the right to charge you a penalty of $100 per month up to $8,000. It is therefore important to make sure you report the sale to the CRA.
You are considered the deceased person’s personal representative, and will carry out their wishes as stated in the will. For example, you might distribute assets such as a home or financial savings or donate money to charity if that is what is outlined in the will. No will. Without a will, an estate is distributed according to the law.
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The immediate actions still need to be taken by someone close to the deceased – use the above checklist of what to do when someone dies. The assets will be divided by intestate succession, detailed by the Succession Law Refrom Act. Assets will likely be held for one year prior to division, in search for a Will.
