Procedures and Formalities to Complete Following a Death in the USA and Canada

1. Pronouncement of Death

USA & Canada:

The death must be pronounced by a doctor, hospital, or coroner (medical examiner).

A Medical Certificate of Death (or equivalent) is issued, which will be used to create the official death certificate.

In certain cases (sudden, accidental, or suspicious death), an autopsy may be required.

2. Registration and Death Certificate

USA:

The Death Certificate is issued by the Vital Records Office in the state where the person died.

The request can be made by the family or the funeral director, often online or by mail.

Canada:

Issued by the Vital Statistics Agency of the province/territory.

Processing times vary by province (e.g., 5 to 15 days).

Tip: Order several official copies (often 5 to 10), as they will be required for banks, insurance, and estate matters.

3. Choosing Funeral Services

USA & Canada:

Contact a funeral home or funeral director to arrange:

Burial or cremation (subject to local laws).

Repatriation of the body if necessary (customs and health clearance required).

A Funeral Contract detailing services and costs must be provided (legal requirement for transparency).

4. Notifying Authorities and Agencies

USA:

The funeral director often notifies the Social Security Administration (SSA) to stop benefit payments and handle any survivor benefits.

Notify federal (IRS) and state tax authorities.

Canada:

Notify Service Canada to cancel the SIN (Social Insurance Number) and benefits (pension, employment insurance, etc.).

Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the final tax return.

5. Managing Accounts and Contracts

Banks, credit cards, insurance policies, subscriptions, rental agreements, or property ownership.

Closing or transferring accounts.

Canceling or transferring service contracts (electricity, phone, internet).

6. Estate and Will

USA:

Check if there is a will.

For large estates or real estate holdings, a probate process must be opened in court.

Canada:

Check for a will (or apply provincial laws if none exists).

Process goes through a probate court or equivalent in the province.

7. If Death Occurs Abroad and Repatriation

If the deceased was a French citizen or resident, contact:

The French Consulate or Embassy (to register the death in French records and assist with repatriation).

Provide: local death certificate, medical certificate, ID documents, and body transport authorization.

Summary of Key Documents to Obtain

Medical certificate of death.

Official death certificate (several copies).

Burial/cremation authorization.

Proof of identity of the deceased and the applicant.

Documents related to the estate and will.