10 Essential Steps: Your Complete Funeral Planning Checklist in Quebec

By Cleo Funeral and Cremation Specialists
6 minute read
  • Understand each legal and practical step when planning a funeral in Quebec.
  • Learn the differences between direct cremation and traditional services.
  • Discover how Cleo simplifies cremation services with all-inclusive support.
  • Planning a funeral is never easy. In the days after a loved one passes, you're expected to make important decisions quickly—often while grieving and unsure of what to do next. In Quebec, the process comes with specific legal requirements and steps that can feel overwhelming.

    At Cleo, we believe planning a funeral should be simpler. Whether you're considering direct cremation, a traditional ceremony, or just need help navigating paperwork, this checklist will walk you through the key steps. It’s designed for Quebec families and reflects everything you need to know about funeral planning in the province.

    1. Confirm the Death

    If the death occurs at home, a doctor or a health professional must pronounce the death. In a hospital or CHSLD (long-term care facility), staff will take care of this step. In certain situations, such as an unexpected or accidental death, the coroner may be involved. This official confirmation is the legal starting point for the rest of the funeral process.

    Knowing who to call and what documentation you’ll receive (e.g., attestation of death) can reduce confusion during an already difficult time.

    2. Decide Between Burial and Cremation

    This is one of the most important decisions in the funeral planning process. It affects your next steps, timeline, budget, and the type of provider you’ll need.

    Burial typically involves embalming, purchasing a casket, and securing a cemetery plot. It often includes a visitation period and a formal religious or cultural ceremony, followed by an interment in a cemetery. Burial is more traditional but also tends to be more expensive.

    Cremation is now chosen by over 75% of families in Quebec, largely due to its flexibility, affordability, and simplicity. There are two main types:

    • Traditional cremation includes a full funeral service with the body present before the cremation. This option may involve embalming, a rented casket, and venue rentals. It's ideal for families who want to gather quickly after the death and follow traditional customs.
    • Direct cremation, by contrast, skips the ceremony upfront. The body is transferred to the crematorium, the cremation takes place, and the ashes are returned to the family. You can still organize a memorial or celebration of life afterward, at your own pace and in your own way. It can be held at home, outdoors, or at a favourite place—without pressure or additional cost.

    Why families choose direct cremation:

    • It's the most affordable and efficient option.
    • It avoids the stress of planning an event during a time of grief.
    • It gives families time and space to plan a meaningful tribute later.
    • It eliminates many of the upsells common in traditional funeral services.

    Cleo specializes in direct cremation. Our goal is to offer a respectful, modern alternative that meets the needs of today’s families: simple, dignified, and completely transparent.

    3. Choose a Funeral or Cremation Provider

    Once you've decided between burial and cremation (and the style of cremation), you're ready to choose a provider. In Quebec, funeral providers must be licensed and follow strict regulations. But not all providers offer the same level of service or transparency.

    When evaluating funeral homes or cremation providers, look for:

    • Clear, all-inclusive pricing
    • Transparent communication and timelines
    • A compassionate, knowledgeable team
    • Experience navigating Quebec's specific paperwork and requirements

    Cleo is a fully licensed cremation provider serving Montreal and surrounding areas. Unlike traditional funeral homes, we offer a streamlined, online-first experience, backed by real human support. Our pricing is fixed and all-inclusive, and we take care of everything so you don’t have to.

    4. Arrange for Transportation of the Deceased

    In Quebec, only licensed professionals may transport a deceased person. If the death occurred at home or in a private residence, you must contact your provider immediately to arrange transport.

    In hospitals or care homes, the staff will typically wait for your funeral provider to arrive. Transportation needs to be timely, respectful, and in accordance with provincial health standards.

    Cleo includes professional transportation within 40km of Montreal in every cremation package, ensuring a prompt and dignified transfer of your loved one.

    5. Complete the Required Paperwork

    One of the most confusing aspects of funeral planning is the paperwork. In Quebec, the key document is the Déclaration de décès, which must be filed with the Directeur de l’état civil. This declaration is co-signed by the next of kin and your chosen funeral provider. Once processed, the government issues the Acte de décès, or official death certificate.

    This certificate is required for settling the estate, closing accounts, and applying for government benefits. You may need multiple copies.

    At Cleo, we take care of the paperwork from start to finish. We ensure everything is filed correctly and follow up with the government on your behalf, so you don’t have to chase forms or make calls during a difficult time.

    6. Notify Government Agencies and Institutions

    Once the declaration is processed, several agencies and institutions must be notified:

    • Retraite Québec and Service Canada for pensions (QPP, CPP, OAS)
    • RAMQ (Quebec health insurance)
    • SAAQ (driver’s license and vehicle registration)
    • Banks, insurance companies, credit card providers
    • Any ongoing subscriptions or services

    Some funeral providers leave this entirely to the family. Cleo helps guide you through these notifications and provides the official documents you’ll need.

    7. Apply for Death Benefits

    If your loved one contributed to the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), you may be eligible for a $2,500 tax-free death benefit. This payment is typically made to the person who paid for the funeral services. You’ll need to submit an application with supporting documents.

    At Cleo, we help you apply for this benefit as part of our service. We gather the necessary information, complete the forms, and submit the application on your behalf—making sure you get what you’re entitled to without any extra work.

    8. Decide What to Do with the Ashes or the Body

    In Quebec, you have many choices after cremation. There are no legal restrictions requiring you to bury ashes in a cemetery. Families often:

    • Keep the urn at home in a meaningful place
    • Scatter the ashes on private property (with permission)
    • Place them in a columbarium or niche at a cemetery
    • Divide ashes among family members in keepsake urns or jewelry
    • Transport ashes to another province or country (with proper documentation)

    With direct cremation, you have the flexibility to choose what feels right for your family—with no pressure or time constraints. Cleo personally delivers ashes to your home, so you don’t need to worry about pickup or coordination.

    9. Share the News and Plan a Ceremony

    Once the immediate logistics are handled, many families choose to honor their loved one in a more personal way. This could be a formal memorial at a venue, a gathering at home, or a casual celebration of life at their favorite park.

    You can also:

    • Publish an obituary in a local newspaper or online
    • Share a memorial page or tribute via email or social media
    • Create a photo slideshow or memory book to share with guests

    Cleo's direct cremation model gives you the freedom to hold a ceremony when you're ready—without rushing into expensive or impersonal arrangements.

    10. Settle the Estate

    Settling an estate involves legal, financial, and sometimes emotional tasks. If there’s a will, the named liquidator (executor) will oversee the distribution of assets and payment of debts. If there’s no will, Quebec’s succession laws determine the next steps.

    In either case, you may need:

    • Multiple copies of the death certificate
    • Access to banking and insurance records
    • A notary, especially for property or complex successions

    Cleo can provide additional death certificates on request to make this process smoother.

    How Cleo Helps

    Cleo is Quebec’s modern cremation service. We provide a complete, affordable solution for families seeking a respectful, simple cremation experience—without the stress, pressure, or unexpected costs of traditional funeral homes.

    Our fixed-price cremation service includes:

    • Professional transportation of the deceased (within 40km of Montreal)
    • Private cremation at a licensed facility
    • Filing the Déclaration de décès and handling all required paperwork
    • Ordering official death certificates
    • Applying for the $2,500 QPP death benefit
    • Hand-delivery of ashes to your home or preferred location

    Families choose Cleo because we make things easier when it matters most. We handle the logistics and paperwork so you can focus on honoring the life of your loved one, not managing forms and phone calls.

    Need Help?
    Visit cleocremation.com to get started or speak with a member of our caring advisor team today.