Steps

After a death, a number of things need to be done by relatives, friends or potential heirs.

Main steps

If you are a potential heir, or a close relative or friend, of the deceased person, you may need to:

Get official proof of death (death certificate or copy of the act of death);
Search for a will;
Have the will probated by a notary or by the court, if it is not a notarial will;
Appoint a liquidator, if one has not yet been named;
Accept or renounce the succession.

Other steps

You may also need to:

cancel the deceased's lease;
cancel the deceased's driver's licence or health insurance card;
claim the deceased's life insurance;
apply for an indemnity or pension as a surviving spouse.

Last update: October 20, 2025