Bank/Credit Institutions - Immediately notify the bank management and find out their requirements for papers and changes. Most institutions will release funds to cover funeral and other related expenses if copies of contracts and receipts are provided. All institutions will ask for a Proof of Death Certificate and copy of the will. Have the bank update passbooks to the date of death for income tax and accounting purposes. It is a good idea at this time to add another family member’s name to your account to ensure joint access.

Credit Cards - Check with all companies where the deceased had accounts. Some accounts are life insured and are paid up automatically upon the cardholder’s death. Find out any outstanding balances, pay them by the due dates, and cancel the cards.

Income Tax - If the deceased earned taxable income in the year of his/her death, a terminal tax return (T1) must be filed on their behalf. Remember, a funeral and burial expenses are not considered a tax deduction. You must include a copy of the Proof of Death Certificate and a copy of the will or Letters of Probate or Letters of Administration. The spouse should also include copies of the same documents with his/her income tax return, together with an explanatory note. Your local Revenue Canada Taxation Office can supply you with their publication "Guide for Preparing T1 Returns for Deceased Persons."

Mail Delivery - Have the Post Office redirect mail to the executor’s address if the deceased’s home is unoccupied. Use incoming mail as a reminder to notify people or groups you might not have remembered to contact about the death. Contact subscriptions and club memberships before cancelling them as there may be refunds available or a title may need to be transferred.

Name Changes - It is important to change names on titles to vehicles, real estate and personal property, the telephone and investments owned by the deceased.

Vehicle(s) - Within 60 days the car ownership and license plates must be transferred to the surviving spouse or to the appropriate person according to the terms of the will. Without a will the courts will have to appoint an administrator to take care of matters. If the vehicle is not paid for, check details with the lending institution as there might have been life insurance coverage on the outstanding loan. Notify the accident insurance company of the death so that the policy can be kept in good standing. Contact your local license bureau for further information.

Real Estate and Personal Property - Within 30 days insurance companies should be notified. Check with them about the possibility of life insurance covering loans or mortgages. If there is joint ownership of real estate and other personal property it generally passes to the surviving owner. A will should take care of other arrangements but may still require probate action and the work of an estate lawyer. Contact your Land Titles Department for specific action to take and papers to be completed.

Telephone - If the residence phone was listed in the deceased’s name you may want to have the directory listing changed. Contact the Customer Service Department of your telephone company for changes in billing and listing, or cancellation of the service if the property is to be sold.

Investments - Stocks, bonds and certificates held solely by the deceased must be held until the will is probated. Share transfers sometimes take detailed paperwork. Check with the bank manager, the issuing stockbroker or the institution where these were purchased for what to do about change of ownership. An estate lawyer, accountant or financial advisor can simplify this procedure and help with tax problems.

Security - It is wise to safeguard valuable property such as the home, antiques, furs, jewelry and special collections.  The executor of the estate should immediately notify the insurance company holding the homeowner’s policy on the deceased’s residence to temporarily include his/her name on the policy.  Smaller moveable valuables within the home should be kept in safe storage until they are to be sold or distributed.  If the home is to be unoccupied for some time let trustworthy neighbors know and notify the local police to keep extra surveillance. Dead bolt locks, sensor lights and timed lights are practical deterrents for burglars.

Association and Club Memberships - Notify the secretaries of all clubs and check as to whether or not there are any dues or bills outstanding.

Cemetery and Grave Markers - If the deceased owned any other cemetery property, say in another city, the deed title may have to be reviewed by the spouse or executor. Contact the cemetery office or have your funeral director help with this matter.