What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away?

Losing a loved one is never easy. While families are grieving, they are often also faced with a series of legal and administrative responsibilities that can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time.

Knowing what steps need to be taken, and in what order, can help ease some of that burden. From securing property to dealing with banks and government agencies, handling these matters properly can prevent delays, unnecessary stress, and costly mistakes. McMurter & Associates is here to guide you through the process and ensure your loved one’s affairs are managed correctly.

To help families navigate this process with greater clarity and confidence, we have prepared a comprehensive “What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away” checklist outlining the key legal and administrative steps involved in Ontario estate administration.

Download the full checklist here

Real-life client example

home solely in his name, along with several bank and investment accounts. Susan knew her father had a will, but was unsure where it was kept.

After the death was registered, Susan obtained certified death certificates through Service Ontario to notify banks, government agencies, and insurers. When she realized her father owned real estate and that she would likely need probate, Susan reached out to McMurter & Associates for legal guidance.

With their assistance, Susan located the will and learned she had been named as the Estate Trustee. Because the home and financial accounts were solely in John’s name, probate was required. Susan applied for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee and paid the applicable Estate Administration Tax. She also secured the property, notified the home insurer of the vacancy, and ensured utilities and property taxes were maintained.

Once probate was granted, Susan sold the property, paid outstanding debts and taxes, obtained a CRA Clearance Certificate, and distributed the remaining estate assets in accordance with the will. Throughout the process, she kept detailed records to protect herself from personal liability as Estate Trustee.

Who can you contact for will and estate help?

While some estates are relatively straightforward, many situations benefit from professional legal guidance to ensure the process is handled properly and without unnecessary delay.

You should consider speaking with a wills and estates lawyer if the will is unclear or contested, if the estate is complex or involves family conflict, if real estate needs to be transferred or sold, or if a probate application is required. These matters carry legal and financial risks, and early advice can help prevent costly mistakes and disputes.

Working with a Durham Region lawyer who is familiar with local land registry offices, court procedures, and Ontario estate laws can make a meaningful difference. Local experience helps ensure estate administration moves forward efficiently, complies with all legal requirements, and provides peace of mind during an already difficult time.

The information provided in this article is meant to inform and to educate. We strongly recommend that if you have legal questions relating to wills or estates, please reach out to a trusted lawyer for advice.

If you are in the GTA or Durham Region and are looking for an experienced estate lawyer to help with your estate decisions, McMurter & Associates has the experience to help you succeed.

To connect with a member of our firm, send us an email at info@mcmurter.com or call us at 1-800-756-7138 or 905-666-9200 to schedule a consultation.