What to do after the death of a loved one in Québec?
In the hours and days following a death, very few things need to be handled right away. This guide presents the usual first steps in Québec, in an order that follows time rather than a long list.
What is urgent right now
- Get the constat de décès (medical certificate of death) and the death attestation or bulletin issued by the physician or the funeral services company: other steps depend on it.
- Choose the funeral services company and decide on the funeral, taking into account the person's written wishes if they are known.
- Secure the deceased's home, pets and belongings, without distributing or selling anything.
- Notify close family and friends and, if applicable, the employer.
Not everything needs to be settled today
The vast majority of steps after a death are spread out over several weeks, sometimes several months. No one expects you to settle the estate this week. Doing one thing at a time, and resting, is a perfectly valid way to move forward.
In the first few days
The documents that record the death
The funeral services company usually forwards the death declaration to the Directeur de l'état civil. It is the Directeur de l'état civil who then issues the certificate of death or the copy of the act of death, which many organizations require. Requesting a few copies from the start often avoids delays later.
The funeral
Check whether the person had a pre-arranged funeral contract or had left written wishes. Keep the invoices: they may be needed for certain reimbursement or benefit claims.
Don't share anything right away
As long as the will is not confirmed and the estate's debts are not known, it is prudent not to hand over any money or property. This caution protects both the heirs and the person handling the estate.
In the first few weeks
Finding the last will
A will search with the registers of the Chambre des notaires and the Barreau du Québec makes it possible to find out which will is the most recent. A will that is not notarized generally needs to be verified (probated) before it can be used. This is a step where the assistance of a notary is common.
Knowing who is liquidating the estate
The person in charge of the estate is the liquidator. The will often names this person; otherwise, the rules of the Civil Code apply. This person does not have to do everything alone and can be supported.
Notifying the main organizations
Governments, the bank, the insurer, the employer and service providers generally need to be notified. Our guide to the organizations to notify groups them by category.
If you work
In Québec, labour standards provide 5 days of absence, including 2 paid, for the death or funeral of your spouse, your child or your spouse's child, your father, mother, brother or sister. Other relationships allow fewer days, and some jobs fall under other rules: the CNESST page sets out the full scope and conditions.
Then, over several months
Next come the inventory of assets and debts, the deceased's income tax returns, the payment of debts, and then the closing of the estate. These steps happen in a specific order and depend on each situation. The administrative procedures guide presents the main categories, and the documents guide helps you gather what will be requested.
Official sources
Not sure where to start? PASSARA turns the steps after a death into simple actions, presented one step at a time.
Discover PASSARAThe other PASSARA guides
Content 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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