Losing a parent is incredibly difficult, and we’re sorry for your loss.
The steps you’ll need to take after a parent’s passing can often feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve created this checklist to help you navigate the legal, financial, and emotional tasks you need to complete in Canada.
Are you their executor? Download this free checklist to help you complete your duties →
Emotional support and resources
Grieving the loss of a parent is an emotional journey. First, seek support from loved ones and consult professional counsellors if needed. Some online resources include:
- MyGrief - Confidential online resources to help you process grief.
- Kids Grief - Resources for discussing serious illness, dying, and death with children.
- Grief and Bereavement Resource Repository - A collection of links to help cope with grief, offered by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.
Use bereavement leave
Many workplaces offer bereavement leave, allowing you time to grieve and handle necessary tasks. Check your employer’s policy and provincial legislation to confirm how much time you’re allocated.
Here are the provincial bereavement guidelines following the death of a parent:
Immediate steps to take after a parent's death
What are the first steps after a parent dies?
First, you should confirm the death and get a medical certificate. If your parent’s death occurred in a hospital, the attending doctor will issue this.
For unexpected deaths or those occurring at home, you should contact emergency services. This legal document is required to register the deceased person’s death and manage their estate.
Next, notify close family and friends so they can pay their respects and offer support.
Secure their estate
Locate the will and contact the executor who is named in the will so they can start managing the estate. The executor is responsible for distributing assets, paying debts, and handling legal fees. If there is no will, the estate will be handled according to provincial laws.
The full list of an executor’s duties and responsibilities →
What not to do when a parent dies
Do not attempt to manage the estate unless you are the appointed executor or estate administrator. If you are not appointed, you must let the executor handle the estate affairs, including managing debts, distributing assets, and other estate purposes.
Arrange care for dependents and pets
If your parent had dependents or pets, you will need to arrange care for them. The funeral director can help guide you through this process.
Learn more about how guardianship works →
Legal and administrative tasks for executors
If you’ve been named the executor, or have been appointed the estate administrator, you should complete the tasks below to settle your parent’s affairs.
Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate
You will need several certified copies of the death certificate to notify financial institutions and government agencies and for estate purposes. Request at least ten copies from your provincial government.
Read our guide to finding death certificates in Canada →
Notify government agencies
Inform Service Canada of the death to cancel benefits such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security. You’ll also need to update the deceased’s tax records with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Notify financial institutions and service providers
Banks, insurance companies, and utilities must be notified of the death to prevent future charges and potential fraud. Remember to cancel subscriptions like utilities or streaming services.
Cancel health cards, driver’s licenses, and passports
Prevent identity theft by cancelling the deceased’s health card, driver’s license, and passport. Contact the appropriate agencies to do so.
Funeral and burial planning
Decide on burial, cremation, or alternative options
Your parent may have left instructions regarding their funeral preferences, such as burial, cremation, or alternative arrangements.
While Canadian burial laws state these wishes are not legally binding, it’s important to respect them when possible.
Obtain a burial permit and arrange funeral services
Before making any funeral arrangements, you will need a burial permit, which the funeral director will provide once the death certificate is issued.
From there, you can plan the funeral or memorial service according to your parent’s wishes.
Settling financial affairs
As the executor or estate administrator, settling your parent’s financial affairs is one of your key duties. This includes:
Pay outstanding bills and debts
You will need to pay off outstanding bills, such as credit card balances, mortgages, or any other debts. If needed, selling assets may be required to cover these liabilities.
Note: You will not inherit your parent’s debts unless you co-signed or are a co-owner of a debt. Learn more here.
File final income tax returns
Filing a final income tax return with the CRA is required, and you have a limited window to do it. This may involve reporting income and any capital gains up to the date of death.
When to file a final income tax return
- If the deceased passed away between January 1st and October 31st, the return is due by April 30th of the year following their death
- If the deceased passed away between November 1st and December 31st, the return is due six months from the date of death
If this process feels complex, consider hiring a tax professional to help ensure all taxes owed are accurately paid.
Distribute assets to beneficiaries
Once all debts are settled and taxes paid, you can distribute the remaining assets to beneficiaries as outlined in the will.
If no will exists, assets will be distributed according to inheritance laws.
Close bank accounts and cancel subscriptions
Finally, close your parent’s bank accounts and cancel any remaining subscriptions or services, such as mobile phone plans and utilities.
Long-term considerations after the death of a parent
Review your own estate planning needs
After handling your parent’s estate, it's a good idea to review your own estate plan, especially if your parents were appointed in any of the roles in your estate plan. Update or create a will to ensure your wishes are clear and you and your loved ones have peace of mind about the future.
If you make your will with Willful, you’ll save thousands compared to using a lawyer. You’ll also unlock dozens of educational resources about estate planning, and get unlimited free updates on all your estate planning documents.
Keep documents safe and organized
Ensure that your family’s important legal documents are stored securely. This will help protect them and make sure your loved ones can access them easily when needed.
Honour your parent’s legacy
Take time to reflect on your parent’s memory. This could be through charitable donations, sharing family stories, or maintaining cherished traditions.
How do I prepare for the death of a parent in Canada?
Preparing for a parent’s death involves discussing their final wishes, funeral preferences and making sure they have a valid will. Understanding their financial and estate details in advance ensures peace of mind for everyone.
These conversations help prepare for the eventual inheritance process, too.
To help guide you in your conversations, check out these 4 tips for talking to your parents about their final arrangements →
Simplify your estate planning with Willful
Taking care of your parent’s estate may have inspired you to think about your own future planning. If so, we’d like to help.
Willful makes estate planning simple, affordable, and easy to manage. Plus, you get free unlimited updates forever!
