What To Do When Someone Dies

The loss of a loved one can bring sadness, shock, and a long list of questions. Families often feel unsure about where to begin or worry about missing something important. The early days often feel confusing, especially when you are trying to balance grief with practical decisions. In Ontario, only a few steps require immediate attention. Most legal and financial matters can wait until the family feels ready to move forward. For quick reference, check out our "What's Next" checklist.

Confirming the Death and Understanding the First Administrative Steps

The first task is ensuring the death is formally documented. Without official documentation, no estate related steps can begin.

When a person dies in a hospital or long term care home, staff handle the medical paperwork and send the Medical Certificate of Death directly to the funeral home you choose. If the death occurs at home, the process depends on whether it was expected. In palliative situations, the attending physician or nurse practitioner completes the form. If the death is sudden or unexpected, 911 must be called so police and paramedics can attend and determine whether a coroner is required.

Once the funeral home receives the Medical Certificate of Death, they register the death with Service Ontario and order the official death certificates. If you need to request additional certificates later, you may do so through Service Ontario. Most families receive several originals, since many institutions require them.

Notifying Close Family and the Executor

After the essential administrative steps are underway, the focus often shifts to notifying close family members and friends. These conversations can be emotional, so it is completely appropriate to let others help with calls or messages.

If the deceased left a Will, the person named as Executor should also be informed. The Executor does not need to take action right away, but early awareness helps set the stage for the next steps.

Choosing a Funeral Home

Most families choose a funeral home shortly after the passing. The funeral home will help guide you through available options and any wishes the deceased shared during their lifetime. They also manage key paperwork, including registering the death and ordering death certificates. If the deceased was receiving Canada Pension Plan benefits, the funeral home can also assist with the death benefit forms.

This stage often brings many questions, and it is normal to move through these decisions slowly. Funeral homes expect families to need support and time.

Locating the Will

Locating the Will is an important early step. The Will names the Executor and outlines how the estate should be managed. Families often search filing cabinets, desk drawers, home offices, or personal safes. If the deceased worked with a lawyer, the lawyer may also have a copy or know where the original is stored. Often the lawyer who created the documents will store the originals in their vault.

If no Will exists, the estate is handled according to Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act, which sets out who can act and who will inherit. Many families take some time before moving into the legal steps, and that slow pace is very normal.

Securing the Home

Small, practical tasks can help protect the home and belongings until the estate process begins. Locking doors and windows, checking the mailbox, caring for pets, and removing perishables from the fridge are often helpful early actions. These steps safeguard the property without requiring families to make larger decisions.

There is no need to begin sorting or distributing belongings right away. The Will may offer guidance, and the Executor has a responsibility to protect estate property. Waiting avoids misunderstandings and helps ensure everything is handled correctly.

Gathering Key Documents and Information

As the days pass, families often begin collecting documents that will be needed later to provide clarity about what the estate includes.

Documents most commonly gathered in this stage include the original Will, death certificates, recent bank or investment statements, insurance policies, property tax bills, mortgage information, and identification records. Employment details, pension information, and digital account access may also become relevant.

It is entirely normal for this process to take several weeks. Many families go through this step gradually as they settle into the new reality.

Understanding What Can Wait

Many people assume they must immediately meet with a lawyer, file for probate, or begin closing accounts. In most estates, that is not the case.

Probate is required when certain assets cannot be transferred without a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee from the court. This often applies to real estate or bank accounts that were in the deceased’s name alone. These decisions are usually made once the key documents are gathered and the Executor understands what the estate includes.

Banks, credit card companies, and utility providers do not expect immediate action, and families are not personally responsible for the deceased’s debts. It is appropriate to take time before making any major decisions or notifying institutions. A steady and careful approach benefits everyone involved.

Losing a loved one brings emotional weight alongside the practical responsibilities of an estate. Understanding what needs attention now and what can wait often makes this time more manageable. Each family moves through these steps at its own pace, and it is perfectly acceptable to take things slowly.

Once the initial steps feel settled, many people find it helpful to speak with an estate lawyer. A short consultation can clarify what the Will requires, whether probate will be needed, and how the estate should progress over the coming months. Ontario estates often take a year or more to complete, and early guidance helps avoid delays or issues with financial institutions.

At E is for Estates we support families through every stage of estate administration. Whether the estate involves real estate, a blended family situation, digital assets, or simply the need for reassurance about next steps, clear legal advice can make the process more manageable.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. For personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstance, please reach out to the E is for Estates team.

Erin L. Watson, B.A., JD

Lawyer & Notary Public

E is for Estates