The First 72 Hours After a Loved One Passes Away: What Families Should Know

When someone passes away, families are often overwhelmed by grief while also facing practical responsibilities.

The first few days can feel confusing and emotionally exhausting. Understanding a few key steps can help families navigate this difficult time.

Step 1: Contact the Funeral Home

A funeral home will help guide many of the early steps. They typically assist with:

• transportation of the deceased

• preparing death certificates (this is one of the most important documents you will need, in addition to a valid will and marriage certificate [if applicable])

• coordinating burial or cremation arrangements

Funeral directors often help families understand next steps and documentation requirements as well.

Step 2: Obtain Death Certificates

Death certificates are required for many administrative tasks including:

• insurance claims

• accessing and/or closing accounts

• transferring property and assets such as vehicles

• accessing financial assets including bank accounts, investments, etc.

It is usually recommended to obtain multiple copies (recommend 25+ - you will be surprised how many companies and organizations ask for a copy).

Step 3: Locate the Will

The will identifies:

• the executor (including business executor and/or HIC)

• beneficiaries and/or trustees

• instructions for estate distribution

If no will exists, provincial laws determine how the estate is managed.

In Ontario, estates without wills are handled under the Succession Law Reform Act.

Step 4: Secure Important Documents

Gather key documents such as:

• identification (including driver’s licence, health card, passport, social insurance number [SIN])

• insurance policies (including life insurance, car insurance, home insurance, etc.)

• financial records (banking, credit, investments, stocks, bonds, etc.)

• property documents (lease or rental agreements, mortgages, multiple properties)

• tax information (last year’s income tax documents, SIN)

These documents will be needed for estate administration.

Step 5: Notify Close Family and Advisors

Important people to notify may include:

• immediate family members

• the family lawyer

• financial advisor

• accountant

• insurance companies

It is helpful if contact names and details are included with a person’s will so the communication/notification process is easier.

If the deceased owned a business, business partners or employees may also need to be notified.

Step 6: Pause Financial Accounts Where Necessary

Executors may need to notify financial institutions to prevent unauthorized activity.

Banks typically freeze accounts until the estate is administered. If the deceased shared accounts with their spouse including banking, credit, line of credit, etc., please pay attention to this note as accounts are often frozen until - at minimum - the certificate of death is provided.

Step 7: Take Time to Grieve

While administrative responsibilities can feel urgent, grief is also an important process.

Friends, community members, and professionals can provide support during this time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@yourbusinessexecutor.ca