What to do in the event of death

What to do in the event of the death of a loved one?

When a death occurs in Quebec, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and sometimes helpless when faced with the steps to take. Here is a step-by-step guide to the procedures to follow in the event of the death of a loved one in Quebec.

1. Notification of death

The first step is to have the death officially recorded. Depending on the location and circumstances, the persons authorized to register a death are :

• At home: A doctor or healthcare professional (such as a registered nurse) can come to your home to declare the death.
• At a hospital or nursing home: Medical staff will take care of this process. Once the death has been confirmed, a death certificate or attestation of death will be issued by the healthcare professional.

2. Contact a funeral home

Once the death has been confirmed, we recommend that you contact a funeral home. They can help you with administrative formalities, such as :

• Transporting the body;
• Preparation of the necessary documents, including the death declaration form for the Registrar of Civil Status;
• Planning funerals or memorial ceremonies.

When choosing a funeral home, take the time to consider options that correspond to the values and wishes of the deceased. La Forêt de la Seconde Vie, for example, offers ecological funeral services aligned with a sustainable, environmentally-friendly vision.

3. Declare the death to the Registrar of Civil Status

The death must be officially declared to the Directeur de l'état civil du Québec. The funeral home can often take care of this by filling out the required form. This declaration updates the official registers and makes it possible to obtain the death certificate, an essential document for subsequent steps, includingobtaining the $2,500 death benefit offered by Retraite Québec, designed to help relatives cover funeral expenses.

4. Funeral arrangements

Once the initial steps have been taken, you can start organizing the funeral. Depending on the wishes of the deceased and the family, there are several options:

• Respectful ceremony;
• Ecological cremation;
• Burial in a conventional or ecoforest cemetery.

For those who want a nature-friendly approach, ecoforest cemeteries like La Forêt de la Seconde Vie offer an ecological alternative. This type of burial contributes to the creation of sustainable forest areas, while offering a peaceful place of remembrance.

5. Notify government and financial agencies

Several organizations and institutions must be informed of the death:

• Retraite Québec for Régie des rentes benefits;
• Ministère du Revenu to update the deceased's tax file;
• Financial institutions to manage bank accounts and insurance;
• Utilities (such as Hydro-Québec) to close or transfer current services.

The funeral home can advise you on the administrative steps to take and the documents required.

6. Settle the estate

Estate management can be complex, and often requires the involvement of a notary. The notary will help you to :

• Identify heirs;
• Make an inventory of the deceased's property;
• Pay debts and taxes;
• Distribute assets according to the wishes expressed in the will or, in the absence of a will, according to Quebec law.

7. Offer support and take care of yourself

Grief is a trying time, and it's crucial to take care of yourself and your family. Seek support from loved ones, support groups or professionals such as psychologists or grief counselors. Many community organizations in Quebec offer resources for the bereaved.

Opting for sustainable funeral arrangements

For those who wish to take an environmentally-friendly approach, consider ecological funeral services. Forêt de la Seconde Vie offers eco-responsible options, such as burial in a protected forest in perpetuity, helping to create a natural legacy for future generations.

In a nutshell

When someone close to you dies, it's essential to stay supported and informed. From the declaration of death to the organization of the funeral and management of the estate, every step is important to honor the memory of the deceased. Choose services aligned with the values of the deceased and your family, whether it's a traditional approach or an ecological and sustainable one.

For more information on La Forêt de la Seconde Vie's ecological funeral options and services, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you with respect and compassion at this difficult time.