What to Do When a Loved One Passes Without a Funeral Plan or a Will?

Losing a loved one is never easy, but it can become even more overwhelming when there’s no funeral plan or will in place. In British Columbia, this situation triggers a legal and emotional journey filled with decisions, paperwork, and timelines you may not be prepared for. So, what happens when there’s no clear plan to follow?

When a loved one dies without a will or funeral plan, families in BC face additional stress, legal procedures, and emotional pressure. Understanding how to register the death, arrange a funeral, and handle the estate without prior instructions is crucial. 

This article will guide you through the essential steps to take when someone passes away without a will or funeral plan in British Columbia.

Confirm the Death and Notify Authorities

If the death was unexpected, call 9-1-1 or the BC Coroners Service immediately. For expected deaths at home, a healthcare provider should be involved in issuing a Medical Certificate of Death.

Your next steps should be:

1. Contact a funeral provider to transport the body.
2. If not using a funeral home, contact Service BC for directions.

Register the Death and Get the Death Certificate

In British Columbia, a death must be registered before funeral arrangements can proceed. Typically, a funeral director handles this, but a family member may do so if no provider is involved.

To obtain a Death Certificate, contact:

1. Vital Statistics Agency: 1-888-876-1633
2. Service BC: 1-800-663-7867

The certificate is needed for banking, insurance claims, and cancelling government benefits.

Determine If There Is a Will

Search for a legal will. If one exists, the named Executor will be responsible for managing the estate. If no will is found, the estate is considered Intestate and will be distributed according to BC’s intestacy laws.

If you’re unsure, you may:

1. Contact legal counsel.
2. Search safety deposit boxes, home offices, or law firms for documents.
3. Ask the BC Wills Registry for help locating a registered will.

Who Can Make Funeral Decisions Without a Funeral Plan?

Without a funeral plan, decisions about the type of service, burial, or cremation fall to the Legal Next of Kin. In British Columbia, this is determined by Section 5 of the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act, in the following order:

1. Personal representative named in a will (if any).
2. Spouse.
3. Adult child.
4. Adult grandchild.
5. Parent.
6. Sibling.
7. Niece or nephew.
8. Other next of kin or a person with a close relationship.

The authorized person must sign a Cremation or Burial Authorization Form, and cremation cannot proceed until 48 hours after death.

Plan the Funeral and Manage Funeral Costs

Without a funeral plan, families must make decisions from scratch—including funeral providers, type of service, and interment or cremation options.

Key considerations:

1. Funeral Plot Cost: Can range from $5,000 to over $80,000 in BC depending on the cemetery and services.
2. Cremation Interments: More affordable, often starting at $4,000.
3. Payment Help: The Funeral Cost Supplement may be available via the Ministry of Social Development: 1-866-866-0800.

Families can also request itemized service lists from funeral providers to ensure only necessary services are included.

Settle the Estate Without a Will

If no executor is named, someone must apply to be the Administrator of the estate. This is done through probate court and involves receiving a Grant of Administration.

Order of priority for applying:

1. Spouse or partner.
2. Adult children.
3. Parents.
4. Siblings.
5. Other relatives.

Once approved, the administrator can:

1. Close bank accounts.
2. Pay off debts.
3. Distribute assets according to BC’s intestacy laws.

This process may take several months or longer depending on the complexity of the estate.

Cancel Accounts and Notify Organizations

Without a funeral plan, this often-overlooked task becomes the family’s responsibility. Make a list and notify:

1. Government agencies (Service Canada, CRA, CPP).
2. Financial institutions.
3. Credit card companies.
4. Utility providers.
5. Insurance firms.
6. Social media platforms.

Also consider updating the Land Title and Survey Authority (if property is involved), cancelling the BC Services Card, and transferring vehicle ownership through ICBC.

Seek Emotional and Legal Support

You don’t have to go through this alone. There are several provincial and federal resources that offer support:

• BC Bereavement Helpline: 1-877-779-2223.
• Legal Aid BC.
• Public Guardian and Trustee of BC.
• BC Supreme Court Probate Registry (for estate matters).

Mental health resources, grief counselling, and community programs are also available to help families cope.

Bakerview Memorial Cemetery. The Cemetery That Cares.

Bakerview Memorial Cemetery is Metro Vancouver’s newest large-format cemetery. We have abundant space, and we offer diverse burial options for all beliefs and cultures. Our staff are dedicated professionals with a century’s worth of consolidated experience, and our cemetery is designed to house your loved ones for generations. If you’re looking for a cemetery in Metro Vancouver, you won’t find a better one.

 

We also offer payment plans, such as $300 a month for traditional burials, and $99 a month for cremation spaces with a deposit. So, give us a call at (604) 856-0330 and get a free tour of the grounds today.

Conclusion

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy, especially when no funeral plan or will exists. But by understanding the legal process, your responsibilities, and the order of priority for decisions, you can move forward with confidence and care.

Start by gathering documentation, notifying the proper agencies, and getting the right legal advice. Above all, take things one step at a time, and lean on the support available to you across British Columbia.