How to begin

When someone close to you passes away, it can feel devastating and overwhelming, especially when there is a list of tasks to complete. Make sure you have support from friends or family to assist you through this time. This information is designed to help you to keep track of who to notify and what documents you need.
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What is your situation?

There are two different situations when someone dies.

In a hospital, hospice facility, nursing home or nursing or long-term care facility:

‍Let the medical facility know which funeral home you will be using and they will contact the them on your behalf. They will arrange to register the death with Vital Statistics.  Note that, if no decision has been reached as to which funeral home to use, the body will remain in the hospital morgue until removed by the funeral home.

Outside of a medical facility:

When someone dies at home or outside a medical facility, even if the death was expected, you should dial 911.  They will decide if a coroner is needed and contact the coroner who will arrange to register the death with Vital Statistics.

If the death is expected, you should complete the Notification of Expected Death in the Home.

The funeral home will require certain information and documents.

The Deceased’s vital statistics information required to register a death:

• Full legal name and any aliases (also known as)
• Home address
• Occupation
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death
• Social Insurance Number

The Deceased’s father’s:

• Full legal name
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death if applicable

The Deceased’s mother’s:

• Full legal name; maiden
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death if applicable

Documents to be assembled:

• Will
• Birth Certificate or other legal proof of age
• Marriage certificate
• Insurance Policies
• Financial institutions’ statements
• Copies of Land Title searches or other documents proving land ownership
• Copies of motor vehicle ownership documents

Addresses and contact information for the following (if applicable):

• Spouse
• Children
• Beneficiaries under the Will
• Heirs at law (even if there is a Will and the heirs are not beneficiaries)
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Items to discuss with the funeral home:

The main issue to decide is whether the body is to be buried or cremated. There are many other issues, for example:

• what type of funeral
• selection of casket/urn
• if a memorial service or celebration of life is planned

If arrangements were not settled before the death, it may take some time to discuss all the details.  It is recommended to contact the funeral home in advance of death (if possible) to make as many decisions as is appropriate and ensure that all necessary information is available after the death, not when the emotions are at their highest.