What to Do After a Death in BC

If the death was expected at home, follow the instructions from the nurse, doctor or palliative-care team. If the death is unexpected or you’re not sure what has happened, call 911 for direction.

Let close family or friends know. Ask someone you trust to help with calls or immediate care for dependants or pets. Contact a funeral provider if you’re using one.

Ask the funeral provider whether they are handling registration. If you’re not using one, follow Vital Statistics or Service BC instructions. A death certificate is separate from the medical certification of death.

Check secure paper and digital records and contact the professional who helped prepare the will, if known. A BC Wills Notice may tell you where a will is kept; the registry does not store the will itself.

Record urgent property, insurance and recurring-bill issues. Keep records of calls, expenses and documents. Ask the named executor or a lawyer who is authorized to act before moving funds, closing accounts or distributing property.

Not every estate needs probate. If there is a will, the named executor can ask what proof banks or other institutions require. If there is no will, or the executor cannot act, ask a BC estates lawyer about applying to administer the estate.

Use BC’s full checklist to work through agencies, pensions, insurers and service providers. Ask about survivor benefits, tax filings and bereavement support where relevant.