Next Steps to Take After the Death

Dealing with the property left behind

If the deceased left a will, the executor named in it is responsible for settling the estate. Settling the estate involves locating the deceased’s property and paying any debts, funeral costs, and taxes. The executor must then distribute the estate according to the instructions in the will.

If there's no will, someone may need to apply to court to be administrator of the estate. The court authorizes the administrator to settle the estate. The administrator must distribute the property as the law directs.

Property that passes directly on death

“A dear friend of mine asked if I could help out with simple tasks like groceries and paying bills. She chose to add me to her everyday bank account as a joint holder. This made handling the money easier. But she was also really grateful for my help. She wanted me to have the money in this bank account when she passed away. When she died, the money in the joint bank account passed to me. 

– Sara, Powell River

Not all things owned by the deceased form part of their estate. Certain types of assets "pass outside the will." 

Two or more people can own property jointly, such as a home or a joint bank account. Generally speaking, when one of the owners dies, their property becomes the exclusive property of the other joint owner. 

If you had a joint bank account with the deceased, you can withdraw the whole amount from the account at any time. If you face any difficulties, speak to the bank manager. The bank should let you transfer the account to your name alone if you show them the death certificate.

If the deceased had a bank account in their name alone, notify the bank. Banks may release a small amount of money to a surviving spouse before the estate is settled, but they aren’t required to. They’ll typically pay funeral expenses directly if presented with the bill. 

There are certain assets where the holder can choose (or designate) a beneficiary to receive proceeds when they pass away. Common examples are life insurance policies or retirement benefit plans. If you’re a designated beneficiary, contact the bank or trust company to learn what documents you need to claim what’s owed to you. The bank or trust company should directly transfer the proceeds to you. This money passes outside of the will.

Survivor’s pensions and benefits

If the deceased contributed to a government or private pension, their spouse and dependents may be entitled to a survivor’s pension or a death benefit. For example:

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) survivor’s pension. If the deceased contributed to the CPP, a survivor’s pension is paid to their surviving spouse or common-law partner. The survivor is responsible for applying for their monthly pension.
• CPP children’s benefits. If the deceased made sufficient contributions to the CPP, a children’s benefit may be paid. Surviving children under 18 or between ages 18 and 25 who are full-time students may receive this benefit. The child, or their parent or guardian, are responsible for applying for this monthly benefit.
• CPP death benefit. The CPP death benefit is a one-time, lump-sum payment paid to the estate or a survivor of a deceased CPP contributor. If an executor is involved, they should apply for the death benefit on behalf of the estate within 60 days of the date of death.
• Employment pension. If the deceased was employed, a survivor’s pension or death benefit may be available. 

With public and private pensions, the estate or the survivor is entitled to keep any cheques issued the month the deceased passed away.

If the death was the result of a work incident, a car accident, or a crime, benefits may be available to assist the survivors:

• Workers’ compensation benefits. If the deceased was killed on the job, benefits may be available as workers’ compensation through WorkSafeBC.
• ICBC benefits. If the deceased died in a car accident, benefits are available from ICBC. Regardless of who was responsible for the accident, certain funeral expenses and survivor benefits are payable.
• Victims of crime assistance. If the deceased was a crime victim, assistance may be available to survivors from the Crime Victim Assistance Program. Call 1-866-660-3888 or contact cvap@gov.bc.ca.