Someone you love just died, and you're searching for answers in the middle of the worst week of your life. You're not alone, and you don't need to figure this out by yourself.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do when someone dies in Quebec—from the first phone call to the final paperwork—in clear, practical steps. Whether the death happened at home, in a hospital, or out of province, and whether you're managing from across the country or down the street, we'll help you understand what needs to happen next.
You've never done this before, and that's okay. No one expects you to know how to handle death. This guide will give you the clarity you need to move forward.
What happens when someone dies in Quebec (quick overview)
If someone dies in Quebec, the process generally follows these steps:
- A medical professional confirms the death (constat de décès is issued)
- You contact a funeral home to take custody and guide the process
- The funeral home assists you with completing the declaration of death (déclaration de décès)
- You receive the funeral homes Attestation, then the official death certificates later
- Government agencies are notified automatically
- Funeral or cremation services take place based your choices and timelines
The exact steps vary depending on whether the death occurred at home, in a hospital, or unexpectedly.
What to Do Immediately After Someone Dies in Quebec
The first thing you need to know: who you call depends on where the death occurred and whether it was expected.
Here's exactly what to do in the first four hours.
If death occurred in a hospital or nursing home
If your loved one died in a hospital, nursing home, or long-term care facility, the staff will guide you through the first steps. A doctor will officially pronounce the death, and the facility will ask you to choose a funeral home.
You don't need to decide immediately. Take a few minutes to breathe. The hospital will keep your loved one safe while you make arrangements.
Once you've chosen a funeral home, the hospital staff will coordinate the transfer. Most funeral homes in Quebec offer 24/7 service and can pick up your loved one within a few hours.
If death occurred at home (expected)
If your loved one died at home under palliative care or with a known terminal illness, do not call 911.
Instead, contact your palliative care nurse or the on-call doctor. They may be able to confirm the death remotely and issue the medical certificate of death (constat de décès) electronically to your chosen funeral home.
This remote confirmation became more common during the pandemic and remains an option in many cases. The funeral home can usually pick up your loved one within 2-4 hours after the medical certificate is issued.
If death occurred at home (unexpected)
If the death was unexpected—a sudden heart attack, accident, or unknown cause—call 911 immediately.
Emergency services will respond and determine next steps. A doctor or coroner will need to confirm the death. If the cause is unclear, the coroner may be called to investigate. This is standard procedure, not a sign that anything suspicious happened.
Police may also respond to unexpected deaths at home. Again, this is routine. They're there to document the scene and ensure the coroner has the information needed.
If death occurred out of province
If your loved one died in another province while traveling or living elsewhere, contact the hospital or facility where the death occurred. They'll follow their province's procedures.
You can still arrange for a Quebec funeral home to coordinate the transfer back to Montreal. This may involve additional transportation costs, typically $500-1,500 depending on distance.
If you're in Quebec and managing arrangements for someone who died elsewhere, arranging cremation services remotely is entirely possible.
Who to call first when someone dies in Quebec
Once medical personnel have been contacted, here's who else you need to notify in the first 24 hours:
- Immediate family members - Other children, siblings, or close relatives who would want to know right away
- Funeral home - Available 24/7 to guide you through arrangements (Cleo: (438) 817-1770)
- Employer - Both the deceased's employer (if applicable) and your own if you need bereavement leave
- Close friends - Anyone who would want to know quickly or help with immediate decisions
You don't need to call everyone right away. Focus on the people who can provide emotional support or help with decisions. Extended notifications can wait a few days.
Choosing a funeral home or cremation provider
The first priority is arranging funeral or cremation services. Start by checking if the deceased had pre-arranged plans.
Did the deceased pre-plan arrangements?
Look for a pre-arranged funeral contract in their important documents. If they purchased funeral arrangements in advance, the contract will specify which funeral home to contact and what services were pre-paid.
If you're not sure, ask other family members. Many people discuss their wishes without formalizing them in writing.
Cremation vs. traditional funeral services
You'll need to choose between cremation and burial. Here's what each option typically costs and involves in Quebec:
Option: Direct cremation | Typical range : $1,750-3000(Cleo all-inclusive) | Timeline: 3-5 days | What's Included: Transportation, cremation, death certificates, urn, delivery
Option: Traditional funeral + cremation | Typical range: $5,500-8,000+ | Timeline: 5-7 days | What's Included: Visitation, service, cremation, urn
Option: Traditional burial | Typical range: $8,000-15,000+ | Timeline: 7-10 days | What's Included: Visitation, service, burial, casket, cemetery plot
According to the Corporation des Thanatologues du Québec, the average cost for a complete memorial service in Quebec is around $5,500.
Direct cremation is the most affordable option. It means cremation happens shortly after death without a viewing or service beforehand. Many families choose direct cremation and hold a celebration of life later, when everyone can gather and the shock has worn off.
What's included in Cleo's all-inclusive cremation
Cleo's $1,900 cremation service includes everything you need:
- Transportation from place of death to our facility
- All cremation paperwork and permits
- The cremation itself
- Death certificates (5 certified copies)
- Basic urn or velvet bag for ashes
- Delivery of ashes to your home or for pickup
No hidden fees. No weekend surcharges. The price you're quoted is the final price you pay.
For a complete breakdown, see what's included in Cleo's $1,900 cremation service.
Questions to ask any funeral provider
Whether you choose Cleo or another provider, ask these questions:
- What's the total cost, all-inclusive? Watch for "starting at" pricing that doesn't include transportation, death certificates, or other necessities.
- What's the timeline? How long from the first call until you receive the ashes?
- Can I arrange everything remotely? Critical if you're managing from out of town.
- What do I need to provide? Most providers need ID and will handle the medical documentation.
- What are the payment options? Some offer payment plans; others require payment upfront.
If you're comparing options, our guide to the true cost of a funeral in Quebec breaks down where the money goes.
How to declare a death in Quebec (Legal Process)
Once you've chosen a funeral provider, they'll help you complete the official death declaration. Here's what that process looks like.
Medical certificate of death (constat de décès)
Before anything else can happen, a medical professional must confirm the death and issue a medical certificate of death.
This is issued by:
- The hospital doctor (if death occurred in hospital)
- The palliative care doctor (for expected home deaths)
- A coroner (for unexpected or suspicious deaths)
The funeral home receives this certificate electronically. Once they have it, they can legally take custody of the body.
Declaration of death form
When you meet with the funeral home (in person or by phone), you'll sign the declaration of death form in the presence of a funeral director.
This form includes basic information about the deceased: full name, date of birth, place of birth, parents' names, marital status, and address.
The funeral director will also give you the Application for the simplified forwarding of information relative to the death. This is important—it allows the Directeur de l'état civil to automatically notify several government agencies at once, including:
- RAMQ (health insurance)
- Retraite Québec (pension plan)
- Revenu Québec (taxes)
- Service Canada (federal benefits)
By completing this one form, you avoid having to contact each agency separately.
What is the Directeur de l'état civil?
The Directeur de l'état civil is Quebec's official registrar of births, marriages, and deaths. Think of them as the central database for all vital records in the province.
You won't interact with them directly. The funeral home submits the declaration of death on your behalf, and the Directeur de l'état civil processes it and issues the official death certificate.
The entire system is designed so you work with your funeral home, and they handle the government bureaucracy.
How to get a death certificate in Quebec
You'll need official proof of death to settle the estate, close accounts, and claim benefits. There are two types of documents you'll receive.
Attestation of death vs. death certificate
Document: Attestation of death | Issued By: Funeral home | When You Get It: Within 48 hours | What It's For: Temporary proof for banks, insurance
Document: Death certificate (official) | Issued By: Directeur de l'état civil | When You Get It: 2-4 weeks | What It's For: Estate settlement, legal matters, property transfers
The attestation of death is a document the funeral home provides right away. Banks and insurance companies will usually accept it as temporary proof while you wait for the official certificate.
The death certificate (or copy of act of death) is the official government document. You'll need this for probate, transferring property, and closing the estate.
How many copies do you need?
Request 5-10 certified copies of the death certificate when you apply. Each copy costs approximately $20-30 from the Directeur de l'état civil.
You'll need copies for:
- Banks (one per institution)
- Insurance companies (life insurance, home, auto)
- Pension providers (QPP, CPP, employer pensions)
- Property transfers (home, car)
- Investment accounts
It's cheaper to order multiple copies at once than to request additional copies later.
Return the health insurance card (RAMQ)
If the deceased had a Quebec health insurance card, you must inform RAMQ of the death and return the card.
The easiest way: give the card to your funeral director when you meet them. They'll include it with the death declaration paperwork.
Alternatively, you can mail it to RAMQ with a copy of the attestation of death. If you completed the "simplified forwarding" form, RAMQ will be notified automatically, but you should still return the physical card.
For details, visit the RAMQ death notification page.
QPP Death Benefit: How much do you get & how to apply
The Quebec government provides a one-time death benefit to help cover funeral costs.
Who is eligible?
If the deceased contributed to the Quebec Pension Plan during their working life, their estate may be eligible for a death benefit of up to $2,500.
This benefit is paid to:
- The person or organization that paid funeral expenses, OR
- The surviving spouse or heirs if no one specifically paid funeral costs
Most people who worked in Quebec qualify. The exact amount depends on how much the deceased contributed to the QPP.
How to apply
Contact Retraite Québec to apply. You'll need:
- The deceased's social insurance number (SIN)
- Death certificate or attestation of death
- Proof of funeral expenses (invoice from funeral home)
- Your banking information for direct deposit
The application process typically takes 6-8 weeks. Retraite Québec will mail a cheque or deposit the funds directly.
Other potential benefits
Depending on the deceased's situation, other benefits may be available:
- CPP survivor's pension (for spouse or common-law partner)
- CPP children's benefit (for dependent children under 18, or under 25 if full-time students)
- Private life insurance (check the deceased's employer benefits or personal policies)
- Veterans benefits (if the deceased served in the military)
- Union or professional association benefits
If you're not sure whether your loved one qualifies, check eligibility for death benefits in Quebec.
How to search for a will in Quebec
By law, you must search for a will before settling the estate. Quebec requires you to search two separate registries:
- Registre des dispositions testamentaires de la Chambre des notaires du Québec (Notarial will registry)
- Registre des testaments du Barreau du Québec (Lawyer will registry)
Each search costs approximately $16. You can request searches online or by mail. Results typically arrive within 1-2 weeks.
Even if you've already found a will among the deceased's papers, you must still search both registries. There may be a more recent will you don't know about, and the law requires checking.
What if there's no will?
If no will is found in either registry or among the deceased's belongings, Quebec's intestacy laws determine who inherits.
Generally:
- Spouse and children inherit first
- If no spouse or children, parents inherit
- If no parents, siblings inherit
- More distant relatives inherit if no closer family exists
Intestacy situations can get complex, especially with blended families or common-law relationships. Consider consulting a notary or lawyer specializing in Quebec succession law.
Accepting or refusing the succession
You are not required to accept an inheritance. If the deceased had significant debts that exceed the estate's assets, you can refuse the succession.
Important deadline: You have 6 months from the date of death to decide whether to accept or refuse the inheritance.
Before accepting, it's wise to review an inventory of the deceased's assets and debts. If debts exceed assets, refusing protects you from inheriting those obligations.
The role of the liquidator
The liquidator (called an "executor" in English common law provinces) is the person responsible for settling the estate.
The liquidator is:
- Named in the will, OR
- Appointed by the heirs if there's no will, OR
- Appointed by the court if the family can't agree
The liquidator's job includes:
- Gathering all assets and documenting debts
- Paying funeral costs and estate debts
- Filing final tax returns
- Distributing remaining assets to heirs
Being a liquidator is time-consuming. It can take 12-18 months to fully settle an estate, especially if property needs to be sold or investments liquidated.
First-week checklist
Here are the essential tasks to complete in the first seven days after a death in Quebec:
- ✅ Arrange funeral or cremation services - Contact a provider within 24 hours
- ✅ Sign the declaration of death form - Complete with funeral director
- ✅ Notify immediate family and close friends - Make initial calls
- ✅ Request death certificates - Order 5-10 certified copies
- ✅ Notify the deceased's employer - Inquire about final pay, benefits, pension
- ✅ Notify your employer - Arrange bereavement leave if needed
- ✅ Secure the home - Cancel deliveries, forward mail, ensure security system is active
- ✅ Search for will and important documents - Check safe, filing cabinets, safe deposit box
- ✅ Contact insurance companies - Life insurance, home and auto policies
- ✅ Apply for QPP death benefit - Contact Retraite Québec
- ✅ Notify banks - Joint accounts remain accessible; individual accounts will be frozen
- ✅ Dispose of medications properly - Return prescriptions to pharmacy
For a printable, comprehensive checklist, see our complete cremation planning checklist for Quebec.
Managing from out of town
If you're in Vancouver, Toronto, or another city while your loved one died in Quebec, you can still handle everything. You don't need to fly in immediately to make arrangements.
Can you arrange everything by phone?
Yes. Cleo specializes in helping out-of-town families arrange cremation remotely.
Here's what you can do by phone and email:
- Choose cremation services and pricing
- Sign the declaration of death electronically
- Provide payment information
- Arrange for ashes to be delivered to your home address
You may need to provide a copy of your ID electronically (photo of driver's license), but most providers can handle this without you being physically present.
How Cleo helps out-of-town families
We understand that managing a parent's death from 3,000 kilometers away is overwhelming. Here's how we make it easier:
- 24/7 phone support: Call (438) 817-1770 anytime, including overnight and weekends
- Electronic document signing: No need to fly in to sign paperwork
- Ashes delivered to your door: We'll ship the urn to your home anywhere in Canada, or hold it for pickup when you arrive in Montreal
- Clear communication: We'll walk you through every step by phone and send written summaries by email
When Sarah's father died in Montreal while she was living in Vancouver, she arranged everything by phone with Cleo. We handled the cremation while she coordinated flights to visit family. Three weeks later, we delivered her father's ashes to her Vancouver apartment.
Managing estate affairs from another city
If you're the liquidator and live out of province, you can manage many estate tasks remotely:
- Bank notifications: Most banks accept death notifications by phone with faxed or emailed death certificates
- Insurance claims: Submit online or by mail
- Utilities and subscriptions: Cancel by phone
- Property management: Hire a local property manager if selling a home remotely
For complex estates, consider hiring a Quebec notary or estate lawyer to handle tasks that require in-person presence.
What to expect in the first 48 hours
Here's a realistic timeline for the first two days after a death in Quebec.
First 4 hours
- Medical professional confirms death
- You notify immediate family
- You contact a funeral home
- Funeral home provides initial guidance
4-24 hours
- You meet with funeral home representative (in person or by phone)
- You sign declaration of death form
- You choose cremation or burial services
- Funeral home picks up your loved one from hospital, home, or care facility
- Funeral home submits death declaration to Directeur de l'état civil
24-48 hours
- You receive attestation of death from funeral home
- You begin notifying banks, insurance companies, and employers
- You start planning memorial service (if desired)
- You search for will and important documents
- You begin first-week checklist tasks
This timeline assumes a straightforward situation. If a coroner's investigation is required, the timeline extends by several days to several weeks depending on circumstances.
How long does cremation take in Quebec?
From the date of death to receiving the ashes, cremation in Quebec typically takes 3-5 days.
Here's the breakdown:
Day 1: Death occurs, funeral home is contacted, declaration of death is signed Days 2-3: Legal waiting period (Quebec requires 48 hours between death and cremation except in specific circumstances), paperwork processing Day 3-4: Cremation process (the cremation itself takes 2-3 hours, but scheduling depends on facility availability) Day 4-5: Ashes processed and prepared for return, placed in urn or container
The timeline can be longer if:
- A coroner's investigation is required
- Death occurred on a weekend or holiday (offices may be closed)
- Family requests a viewing or service before cremation
- Paperwork is delayed
Cleo provides timeline updates throughout the process so you know exactly where things stand.
For more details, read how long does cremation take: timeline and what to expect.
Frequently asked questions about death in Quebec
Do I need to notify the coroner?
Usually, no—you don't contact the coroner directly. Hospital staff, doctors, or police will notify the coroner if the death requires investigation.
The coroner gets involved when:
- The death was sudden and unexpected
- The cause of death is unknown
- The death may have been caused by violence, accident, or negligence
- The death occurred during medical treatment or surgery
If a coroner's investigation is required, the body will be transferred to the morgue for examination. This delays funeral arrangements by several days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the investigation.
Can I still have a memorial service with direct cremation?
Absolutely. Cremation and memorial services are completely separate decisions.
With direct cremation, the body is cremated shortly after death without a viewing or service beforehand. Many families then hold a celebration of life or memorial service 2-4 weeks later, when the shock has worn off and out-of-town family can travel.
You can:
- Hold a service with the urn present
- Display photos and mementos
- Share stories and memories
- Include religious or secular elements
Some families prefer this approach because it removes the pressure to plan a service within days of the death. You have time to create something meaningful.
For ideas, see our guide to 10 unique celebration of life ideas that honour individuality.
What if the deceased died in another province?
If your loved one died in Ontario, British Columbia, or another province, that province's procedures apply to the death declaration and documentation.
However, you can still arrange for a Quebec funeral home to coordinate the transfer. The out-of-province funeral home or hospital will prepare the body and required paperwork, and your Quebec provider will arrange transportation.
Expect to pay $500-1,500 for interprovincial transportation, depending on distance.
Once the body arrives in Quebec, Quebec's cremation laws apply.
How long do I have to wait before scattering ashes?
There's no mandatory waiting period in Quebec. Once you receive the ashes, you can scatter them whenever you choose.
However, you must follow Quebec's scattering regulations:
- Private property: Allowed with landowner permission
- Public property: Generally not allowed in city parks or public spaces
- Waterways: Generally allowed in oceans, lakes, and rivers, but avoid areas near water intakes
- Cemeteries: Some cemeteries have designated scattering gardens
For complete regulations and ideas, read scattering ashes in Quebec: where it's legal and how to do it properly.
What if I can't afford funeral costs?
If you're struggling with funeral costs, here are options:
QPP death benefit: Apply for up to $2,500 from Retraite Québec to help cover expenses.
Direct cremation: At $1,900 with Cleo, direct cremation is the most affordable option—significantly less than the $5,500-15,000 average for traditional funerals in Quebec.
Payment plans: Many funeral homes offer payment plans. Ask when you make arrangements.
Municipal assistance: Some Quebec municipalities provide financial assistance for funeral costs in cases of extreme financial hardship. Contact your local city services.
Crowdfunding: Many families use platforms like GoFundMe to help cover unexpected funeral expenses.
What paperwork do I need for cremation in Quebec?
The funeral home will handle most cremation paperwork, but you'll need to provide:
- Valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) for the person signing the declaration
- The deceased's information: Full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, parents' names
- Medical certificate of death: Issued by doctor or coroner (funeral home receives this electronically)
The funeral home will prepare:
- Declaration of death (you'll sign this)
- Application for simplified forwarding of information
- Cremation authorization (Quebec requires this before cremation can proceed)
You don't have to do this alone
Losing someone you love is devastating. These administrative steps won't erase your grief, but they'll help you move through this difficult time with less confusion and more confidence.
Here's what to remember:
- Start with the immediate steps: Contact a medical professional if not already involved, notify family, and choose a funeral provider within 24 hours
- Required documentation: Sign the declaration of death, request death certificates, and search for a will
- Financial support is available: The QPP death benefit provides up to $2,500 to help cover funeral costs
You're not expected to know all of this. No one teaches you how to handle death. That's why we're here.
If you need cremation services in Quebec, Cleo is available 24/7 to guide you through every step. We'll handle the paperwork, the logistics, and the bureaucracy so you can focus on your family and your grief.
Call us at (438) 817-1770 or get a free quote.
We understand this is the worst week of your life. Let us handle the details.