Gathering the right documents saves a lot of back and forth. Here are the categories most often requested in Québec, and what each one can be used for. No document is required in every situation: each organization specifies what it needs.
These documents confirm the person's identity and, sometimes, your relationship with them. Several cards must also be returned to the organizations that issued them.
Requirements vary by organization. Before ordering several copies, check whether the organization requires an official certificate, a copy of the act, or accepts a reproduction of the document.
These documents determine who liquidates the estate, who inherits, and how the couple's property is treated. Reading them often requires a notary's help.
An insurance policy may provide for a direct payment to a designated beneficiary, without going through the estate. You still need to know it exists.
They help draw up the financial picture, complete the inventory and identify payments to be stopped.
They are used to file the deceased's returns and, when the time comes, to request the tax certificates before distributing the property.
They form the basis of the inventory of assets and debts, which is then used for taxes, debt repayment and settling the estate.
These documents contain sensitive personal information: social insurance number, account numbers, addresses. Keep them in a safe place, avoid sending them by unprotected email, never post them online, and only hand them over to organizations that request them directly.
Proof of death and identity documents are needed from the first days. The will and notarized documents come into play once the estate is opened. Financial and tax documents are needed later, during the inventory and tax filings. The administrative procedures guide presents this sequence.
PASSARA tells you which documents are useful for your current tasks, and which ones can wait.
Don't forget anything with PASSARAContent last checked: September 19, 2026. Official information can change: always consult the official sources linked on this page.
PASSARA provides general information and does not replace the advice of a notary, lawyer, tax specialist or other qualified professional.
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