Death Certificates Guide for Quebec and Canada
This guide is designed to help you determine how many death certificates you need to order when your loved one passes away.
If you have any questions about pricing or need guidance making a decision, please call us at 438.817.1770 or use the chat below.
Death Certificates Calculator - Quebec & Canada
When figuring out how many death certificates to order, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether or not an organization requires a government death certificate often depends on your relationship with each company—and sometimes even on who you speak with. It’s a good idea to plan ahead by contacting these organizations directly to find out what documents they’ll need when the time comes.
Do you need to claim life insurance policies?
Insurance companies typically need a certified death certificate to process life insurance claims and release the policy’s payout to the beneficiaries.
Yes
No
Are there a personal bank or investment account that needs to be closed or transfered?
Banks and investment firms require a death certificate to legally transfer or close accounts belonging to the deceased. This prevents unauthorized access and fulfills legal requirements for estate settlement. Also consider any foreign bank accounts.
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Do you need to cancel or claim pensions, annuities, or retirement funds?
Pension providers and annuity issuers require a death certificate to cease payments, make adjustments, or issue survivor benefits. This does not apply to Government programs like Quebec Pension Plan or Canadian Pension Plan death benefits; however, also consider any foreign pension plans.
Yes
No
Are you managing any real estate or land transfers as part of the estate?
Real estate transfers, even among family members, require a death certificate for the legal transfer of property titles from the deceased to beneficiaries or heirs.
Yes
No
Did the person have loans, credit cards, or debts that need to be settled?
Some creditors or lenders require a death certificate to close or settle accounts. If they had a credit card with either bank mentioned earlier, you may not need an additional death certificate.
Yes, with a different financial institution
No
Are there any legal matters or court processes requiring a certified death certificate?
Legal matters, such as probate, often require a death certificate to confirm the passing and enable the handling of the deceased’s estate legally through the court.
Yes
No
Will you perform an official will search?
If you plan to enlist a notary to perform an official will search, they may require an official death certificate.
Yes
No
Will you be filing taxes on their behalf?
For filing taxes after someone’s death, a proof of death is typically required to notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of the person’s passing. This certificate allows the executor to file a final tax return for the deceased and handle any outstanding taxes or benefits, such as GST/HST credits or other refundable tax credits.
In most cases, the CRA accepts a funeral home's Attestation of Death certificate as a valid proof of death.
In most cases, the CRA accepts a funeral home's Attestation of Death certificate as a valid proof of death.
Will you need to cancel or close utilities or personal accounts (e.g., phone, internet)?
Any utility and service providers that require a proof of death to close accounts.
In most cases, the utility companies accept a funeral home's Attestation of Death certificate as a valid proof of death.
In most cases, the utility companies accept a funeral home's Attestation of Death certificate as a valid proof of death.
Number of Official Death Certificates
0
This is our estimate based on your answers.
Cleo Cremation
$1900
A Cleo Cremation is a simple, affordable way to honour the life of your loved one.
To learn more about our service visit our Direct Cremations page, or start a chat and our expert team will answer all your questions.
To learn more about our service visit our Direct Cremations page, or start a chat and our expert team will answer all your questions.
Understanding Death Certificates vs Attestation of Death vs Cremation Certificates
When dealing with the loss of a loved one, you'll likely encounter several different types of death-related documents. Understanding the difference between them can help streamline the already challenging process of handling post-death arrangements. Here's a straightforward breakdown of three key documents you might need:
Government Death Certificate
This is the official death certificate which should be used for any 'official' purposes. Think of it as the "gold standard" of death documentation. It's required for:
- Handling estates
- Life insurance claims
- Banking matters
Funeral Home's Attestation of Death
Also known as a "proof of death certificate," this is a simpler document provided by the funeral home. Consider it the "informal version" that:
- Confirms someone has passed away
- Lacks official government status
- Perfect for closing cell phone accounts, notifying landlords, or canceling subscriptions
- Usually provided free of charge by the funeral home
- Saves you from using (and paying for) official certificates for non-legal matters
Cremation Certificate
This specialized document serves a very specific purpose - it's your "passport" for cremated remains. The certificate:
- Documents that an urn contains human remains
- Includes details about the deceased, crematorium, and date of cremation
- Required by airlines and customs officials when traveling with ashes
- Should always accompany cremated remains during transport
*This death certificate calculator is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your chosen funeral provider for precise estimates tailored to your needs.
FAQs
Why do funeral costs vary so much?
Funeral costs can vary significantly due to factors such as location, chosen services, merchandise selection, and individual funeral home pricing. Additionally, personal preferences for the ceremony and final disposition can greatly influence the overall cost. At Cleo Cremation, we offer a fixed-price affordable cremation that doesn't compromise on quality. Get a free instant quote, or call us to learn more about our cremation services.
Are there ways to reduce funeral costs?
Yes, there are several ways to reduce costs, including opting for cremation instead of burial, choosing a simple casket or urn, limiting viewing hours, holding the service at a non-peak time, and considering a home funeral or green burial where permitted.
Is cremation cheaper than a traditional burial?
In most cases, yes. Cremation is generally less expensive than a traditional burial. The average cost of a cremation ranges from $1,800 to $3,500, while a traditional burial can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000 or more. The lower cost of cremation is largely due to eliminating expenses such as caskets, embalming, and burial plots.
Can I prepay for my funeral?
Yes, many funeral homes offer prepayment plans. At Cleo, we offer simple pre-planning options including flexible payment methods. Call us to learn more.
What is the least expensive way to be cremated?
The least expensive cremation option is a direct cremation. This involves the basic cremation process without a viewing, funeral service, or extensive ceremonial procedures. The body is cremated shortly after death, and the ashes are returned to the family. Costs for direct cremation can range from $1800 to $3,500, depending on your location and the provider.
How much is a cremation in Montreal?
Basic cremation services start at $1800, but quickly increase as you add professional services fees, containers, urns, visitation, administrative fees for the application of death certificates and death benefits. At Cleo, our price is fixed and includes everything you need for a simple direct cremation, there are never any hidden fees.
Who is eligible for the $2500 death benefit?
In Québec, residents who contribute to the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) for a minimum of 3 years are eligible to receive the $2500 death benefits from the government. For a list of accepted expenses you can review the Retraite Québec website.
How do I know you are reputable?
Cleo is an officially licensed and registered Funeral Home with the Quebec government. Our Funeral services team has over 40 years of experience in the funeral industry. Our mission is to make meaningful goodbyes accessible to everyone.