A Death in Your Family

This guide provides information about the practical details you may need to address in the short term when a family member dies.

Cover of A Death in Your Family

Cover of A Death in Your Family

Contents

• Introduction

• What to Do First
  • What are the immediate details around a death? · What is a Medical Certificate of Death? · When might a coroner be involved? · What information does the funeral home need right away? · What is involved in the Death Registration? · What do I need to know about Death Certificates?  · How can I get information about the cause of death?  · What is a Disposition Permit?  · Who needs to be notified of the death?  · What if the loved one wished to donate organs and tissue?

• Making the Funeral Arrangements
  • Making arrangements for the burial or cremation · Funeral and cemetery costs  · What if I need more information or have a complaint?

• What to Do about Your Loved One's Daily Affairs
  • What do I need to know about benefits for survivors? · What do I need to know about re-arranging my own legal affairs?

• Where to Find Support During Bereavement
  • BC Bereavement Helpline  · British Columbia Hospice Palliative Care Association · Griefworks BC  · BC Children's Hospital

• Resources for When a Family Member Dies
  • Information about legal and medical matters · Information about benefits · Information about burial and cremation

About this guide

• Acknowledgements & credits
• About Clicklaw wikibooks

About People's Law School

The People's Law School is a non-profit society whose purpose is to provide British Columbians with reliable information about their rights and responsibilities under the law.

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900 Howe Street

Vancouver, BC

V6Z 2M4

Tel 604.331.5400

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This booklet and others are available on the People's Law School website.