After Death Specifics

Insurance is one of those things that can help us throughout life, whether it be coming in the clutch after a traffic accident, covering medical expenses or the enjoyment of coverage provided by work benefits. But with life insurance, for obvious reasons, we never get to see the benefit of our coverage. So if you are the beneficiary, how do you claim a life insurance policy? What steps are required and who has to be involved?

Losing a veteran is different than the loss of other Canadians. There are different steps that need to be taken and certain protocols that need to be followed. Most importantly, there are certain benefits awarded to those who have served our country and their families. It is crucial that you contact the right people in a timely fashion when a Canadian soldier has passed away. 

What happens to people's bank account when they pass away? What about their credit card or retirement savings? Well, they definitely don't just magically disappear. There is actually quite allot of administrative work that goes into tying up the financial affairs of a deceased. Find out who to call, what to do and what your rights are in this process. 

Once someone has died, we often make the mistake of thinking that those who have been notified have somehow magically spread the word far and wide. While you may be able to reach everyone the deceased ever knew. Old friends, business connections, memberships and linked organizations may not know - so how long should you check the mail after someone has died? We'll answer this and other important questions for administrative tasks after death. 

Even if you have left behind a will and made it clear what your end-of-life wishes are - there is still more ways to prepare your family for the end of your life. With all the right documents in place and plans set in stone, there are still more measures that can be taken to make sure that things are not too difficult for those you love. Check out our checklist of some things you can do to help smooth out end-of-life matters for your family. 

One of the great mysterys of death and dying is the legal side of things. Most Canadians just simply don't know about the individual documents that need to be filed. There are signatures needed, wills and advanced directives that need to be honoured and plenty of financial arrangements that need to be made or finalized. Learn more about what legally needs to be done when someone dies.