Author
Megan Zavitz
Funeral Director
Megan is a licensed funeral director who oversees every cremation with precision, compassion, and an unwavering respect for the families Cleo serves.
Author
Articles by Megan Zavitz
Settling an estate without a will in Ontario: where to start
Settling an estate without a will in Ontario? Here's who inherits, how to become estate trustee, and what to do first, explained simply.
Settling an estate in Ontario: a step-by-step guide for executors
Settling an estate in Ontario? An executor's clear step-by-step guide to probate, estate taxes, paying debts, and distributing the estate.
Death certificates in Ontario: how to get copies, costs & what you need (2026)
Ontario death certificate costs $15, or $22 for the certified copy most estates need. Apply online or in person, plus how to handle the 16-week
Direct cremation Brampton, Markham and Vaughan: 2026 guide
Direct cremation Brampton, Markham & Vaughan: 2026 costs, what's included, faith traditions covered. Fixed price, no hidden fees.
First 24 hours after someone passes away in Ontario: what to do
Ontario step-by-step for the first 24 hours after a loved one passes away: who to call, what paperwork to sign, and what can wait. 24/7 help at
Ontario Cremation Services vs. Cleo: a 2026 comparison
Ontario Cremation Services vs. Cleo: see how the $3,066.05 HST-included SW Ontario price, BAO licence class, and service area compare.
Basic Funerals vs. Cleo: how Ontario's largest direct-cremation brand compares to an independent provider
Basic Funerals vs. Cleo: Basic Funerals starts at $1,479 in Mississauga, but mileage and surcharges add up. See the structural comparison.
Dignity Memorial vs Cleo: cremation compared for Ontario and Quebec families
Dignity Memorial vs Cleo: how Canada's largest funeral network compares to direct cremation in Ontario and Quebec. Pricing, services, ownership.
Fast cremation for religious families: what's possible in Ontario and Quebec
Faith deadlines are real. Here's what fast cremation can, and can't, achieve in Ontario and Quebec, honestly. Fixed all-inclusive price, no rush fees.
Hidden cremation fees in Ontario: what funeral homes don't tell you
Hidden cremation fees in Ontario can add 30–60% to your final bill. Here are the 7 charges to ask about before you sign, and your rights under the
What to do when someone dies at home in Ontario or Quebec
If a loved one passed away at home, here's exactly what to do — who to call, how cremation pickup works in Ontario & Quebec, 24/7.
Direct cremation Hamilton: what it costs and who provides it (2026)
Comparing direct cremation costs in Hamilton. Cleo quotes a fixed, all-inclusive Ontario price — no hidden fees, no surprises.
Direct cremation Mississauga: 2026 cost, process, and what's included
What does direct cremation cost in Mississauga in 2026? This guide covers what's included, Ontario paperwork, and how to spot hidden fees.
Cremation paperwork in Ontario: your complete legal requirements checklist
Cremation paperwork in Ontario covers 4 legal documents. Most are handled by your provider — your role is smaller than it looks.
Burial plot cost in Toronto (2026): prices by cemetery and what's actually included
Toronto burial plots cost $2,500 to $48,000+ in 2026, before the marker, vault, or interment fee. Full price breakdown by cemetery, plus how
How to notify the government after a death in Ontario: a complete checklist
Cancel OHIP, stop CPP and OAS payments, notify the CRA. Ontario executor checklist with deadlines, phone numbers, and forms.
Flying with ashes from Toronto or Montreal: Air Canada, WestJet and CATSA rules (2026)
Flying with ashes from Toronto or Montreal? CATSA, Air Canada and WestJet rules, documents to bring, and what to expect at YUL and YYZ.
How to apply for the CPP death benefit in Ontario (2026): the $2,500 payment explained
The CPP death benefit pays $2,500 in Ontario — up to $5,000 with the 2025 top-up. Step-by-step: eligibility, ISP-1200, who applies first.
Who pays for funeral costs when a parent passes away in Ontario?
In Ontario, the estate pays for funeral costs -- not the children. Learn your legal rights, government benefits, and affordable options.
The true cost of cremation in Ontario (2026): complete breakdown
Ontario cremation costs range from $1,500 to $10,000+. See every line item, hidden fees to watch for, and financial help available.
What happens to a joint bank account when someone passes away in Ontario
What happens to a joint bank account when someone passes away in Ontario? Right of survivorship, EAT rules, and your next steps.
Can you bury or keep ashes on your property in Ontario?
Yes, you can keep ashes at home in Ontario. Burying on property has rules. Here's what's allowed for your backyard, cottage, or garden.
Green burial and eco-friendly funeral options in Toronto and Ontario
Compare green burial cemeteries near Toronto, eco-friendly cremation, and natural options across Ontario. Costs, locations, and honest guidance.
Aquamation in Ontario: cost, availability, and what families need to know
Aquamation is legal in Ontario but only 4 providers exist. Compare water cremation cost, availability, and alternatives like direct cremation.
Prepaid cremation plans in Ontario: are they worth it in 2026?
Ontario prepaid cremation plans are price-guaranteed by law. Learn how they work, what they cost, and whether alternatives make more sense.
Cheapest cremation in Toronto: 2026 price comparison
Looking for the cheapest cremation in Toronto? We compared 7+ GTA providers on price, inclusions, and hidden fees so you don't have to.
Mount Pleasant Group vs. Cleo: Toronto cremation costs explained
Mount Pleasant Group's simple cremation costs $3,248.80. Traditional funerals average $6,700. Compare to Cleo's fixed, all-inclusive price.
Arbor Memorial vs. Cleo: comparing cremation options in Ontario
Arbor Memorial is Canada's largest funeral chain with 92 locations. Compare their services and pricing model to Cleo's all-inclusive cremation.
The 12 best celebration of life venues in Toronto & the GTA
Planning a celebration of life in Toronto? Explore 12 venues across the GTA for every style and budget, plus booking tips.
8 beautiful places to scatter ashes in Ontario
Where can you scatter ashes in Ontario? Explore 8 beautiful locations, understand the laws, and plan a meaningful farewell. Available 24/7.
The 9 best direct cremation services in Toronto and the GTA (2026)
Compare 9 direct cremation providers in Toronto and the GTA. Prices from $1,450 to $4,500. See what's included and hidden fees to avoid.
Scattering ashes in Ontario: laws, locations & meaningful ideas
Where can you scatter ashes in Ontario? No permit needed. Specific locations from Algonquin to Toronto, ceremony ideas & practical tips.
Cremation services in Toronto and the GTA: what families need to know
Compare cremation services across Toronto and the GTA--types, costs, and your Ontario rights. Cleo offers a fixed, all-inclusive price.
What to do when someone dies in Ontario: your step-by-step checklist
Someone passed away in Ontario? A step-by-step checklist: who to call first, registering the death, the CPP benefit, cremation costs.
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