When you lose your spouse, the grief is overwhelming — and the paperwork doesn't wait. This handbook walks you through the practical steps from the first 72 hours through Year 1, covering government benefits, financial accounts, estate matters, and legal affairs — all written for Canadians, in plain language.
Get Handbook — CAD $14.99 →Every section is written in plain language with Canadian-specific information, real dollar amounts, and actionable steps you can take immediately.
The emotional reality, a before-you-act checklist, and who to call first.
Death certificate, funeral arrangements, and immediate financial notifications.
Service Canada, CRA, government agencies — what to cancel, what to keep.
CPP Survivor's Pension, Death Benefit ($2,500), OAS, GIS, and the Allowance for Survivor.
Joint vs. sole accounts, RRSP/RRIF spousal rollover, TFSA successor holder rules.
When probate is required, executor duties, and fees by province.
Title transfer, mortgage, insurance, contractor fraud risks, and the stay/rent/sell decision.
Final T1 return, CRA Form RC4111, RRSP/RRIF deemed disposition.
Life insurance, group life, mortgage life insurance — filing requirements and timelines.
Updating your will, beneficiary designations, and power of attorney.
Guardianship, CPP Children's Benefit, RESP, and education planning.
Grief counselling, peer support groups, health resources, and the 9-8-8 crisis line.
Vital statistics offices, survivor benefits, legal aid, and QPP rules for Quebec.
Ready-to-use notification letters you can customize and send.
Week 1, Month 1, Months 2–6, and Year 1 milestones with professional team guide.
Every template is written for Canadian use, customizable to your situation, and ready to send. No need to start from scratch.
Not generic advice you could find online. Specific, Canadian, and immediately useful.
Monthly benefit, eligibility rules, and exactly how to apply through Service Canada.
Tax-free transfer rules and deadlines that can save your family thousands.
The critical first steps — organized by priority so you don't miss anything.
A phased roadmap from Week 1 through Year 1 so nothing falls through the cracks.