Difference between revisions of "Next Steps to Take After the Death"

{{A Death in Your Family TOC}}

Legally, only the executor appointed under the will or administrator appointed by the court has the right to deal with the assets and property of the person who has died. An executor must get a grant of probate of the will from the court to confirm his or her authority.  

'''You also may need to do the following:''' Make sure the deceased’s motor vehicle is locked in a safe place. Retain the keys and any valuable contents to hand over the executor. Retain access to the deceased’s residence to take care of pets, make sure appliances are off.  

Usually the executor or administrator will send a change of address to Canada Post so that the deceased’s mail goes to the executor’s address while he or she is dealing with the person’s estate. It is the responsibility of the executor or administrator to notify institutions and cancel credit cards, club memberships, magazine subscriptions, etc.

The following is a general overview for your information. Many of the tasks involved will be completed by the executor or administrator.

'''If you had a joint account with right of survivorship''', you can withdraw the whole amount from the account at any time. If you encounter difficulties, speak to the bank manager. Once you have the Death Certificate, you can have the account transferred to your name alone.

'''If the accounts were in the deceased’s name alone''', notify the bank. Banks may release small amounts of money to the survivor before the estate is settled, but they are not required to do so. They will pay funeral expenses directly if presented with the bill. They will not reimburse a person who has paid the funeral home directly until the estate is settled.  

'''Money left to the designated beneficiary in insurance policies, pension funds, and RRSPs''' passes outside the Will. If you are the designated beneficiary, contact the relevant institutions to learn what documents they need.

'''If your spouse was receiving a government or private pension''', you may be entitled to a portion of the pension as the surviving spouse. Check with each agency.  

'''Note''': This applies to you if you are a dependent child of a parent who has died.

CPP survivor benefits may be payable if the deceased  is your spouse and you are under 60 or if you are a surviving child under 18 years of age or between the ages of 18 and 25 if attending school full-time.  

'''If the deceased was still employed''', benefits may be available. Death benefits payable by labour unions vary. They may be payable to the next-of-kin or the estate. The union office will have the information.

It may be appropriate to review your arrangements for future planning, such as Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, or Representation Agreement.