Executor Resources

Free Guide

After a Death Checklist

This checklist was created to guide families in British Columbia through what needs to happen after a death. It brings together immediate tasks, government notifications and benefits, and estate administration responsibilities—organized by timeline, from the first 24–72 hours through to distributing the estate.

While this guide offers helpful, practical direction, it is not intended to replace professional legal or financial advice.

Enter your email to receive your free guide. We'll never share your information.

Send Me the Guide

Thank you! The guide is on its way to your inbox. If you haven't received the guide in 2 - 3 minutes, please check your spam folder.

Contact us to receive a printed guide, at no charge.

Government Benefit

CPP Death Benefit

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) death benefit is a one-time, $2,500 payment, payable to the estate or other eligible individuals, on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor.

Downloadable Forms

Application for a Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit (PDF) Application for CPP Survivor's Pension and Child(ren's) Benefits (PDF)

Reference Guide

Being an Executor

This guide is for people who have been appointed as executor in a will. It covers the steps involved in dealing with an estate in British Columbia after a person dies, including how to probate a will. Updated to March 2019.

Being an Executor – BC (PDF)

Planning Form

Advance Planning Form

As care homes and hospices are not hospitals, they do not have the ability to shelter the deceased on site. Accordingly, the care home staff will contact the funeral home to advise of the death and request that the deceased be transferred into the care of the funeral home immediately. It is for this specific reason that it is very important that families choose their funeral provider at the time of admission to the facility.

Advance Planning Form – Fillable (PDF)