• Locate the most recent will.
• Make funeral arrangements.
• Notify the beneficiaries.
• Review the deceased’s financial affairs.
• Take care of the surviving family’s immediate financial needs.
• Secure personal valuables and documents.
• Redirect mail.
• Cancel subscriptions, credit cards, telephone, cable, driver’s licence...
• Change car registrations.
• Obtain at least a dozen copies of the death certificate (every financial institute will want one).
• Probate will and pay estate administration taxes.
• Locate and value assets.
• Claim life insurance proceeds.
• Pay funeral expenses.
• Pay ongoing bills on the deceased’s home.
• Pay outstanding debts, including mortgage, credit cards, car loan...
• Deal with insurance policies, company pension plans, registered deposits.
• Collect income from bonds, GIC’s and other investments.
• Set up and possibly administer trusts.
• Apply for CPP death benefit.
• Distribute inheritance.
• Complete and file income and estate tax returns.