When a loved one dies, usually the last thing on family members’ minds is dealing with the legalities of the death, yet these matters should receive prudent attention. Ontario residents involved with a deceased person’s estate administration should familiarize themselves with what to do in the event of a loved one’s demise. Apart from doing the obvious — like arranging the funeral and seeing that all documents are secured, like a death registration, death certificate, burial certificate, etc. — the executor(s) of the estate should look into the situation of a will.
If it’s uncertain that the deceased had a will, executors or family members can find out by contacting the estates division of the local Ontario court in the community where the deceased resided. If a will exists, it may or may not have to be proved legal in probate court. If the will is determined to be legal and binding, the executor, also known as a trustee, is free to carry out the deceased person’s wishes.
If the person died intestate — or without a will — the process could be complex. An Ontario lawyer experienced in wills and estates law should be consulted. A lawyer can provide much guidance in terms of a will, and he or she can point trustees in the right direction about what to do about things like cancelling a driver’s licence, cancelling credit cards and so on.
A seasoned legal professional will be able to answer any questions regarding the estate administration process in Ontario. A compassionate lawyer will help the deceased person’s family through the estate administration process. He or she will be the best to answer any legalities concerning the deceased individual’s estate.
Source: ontario.ca, “What to do when someone dies“, Accessed on Aug. 4, 2017
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