Mail forwarding for deceased person canada

A sensitive and important topic.

In Canada, when a person passes away, their estate must be settled, which includes managing their mail and other correspondence. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to handle mail forwarding for a deceased person in Canada:

Immediate Steps

1. Notify Canada Post: Inform Canada Post of the person's passing by contacting their local post office or by calling the Canada Post Customer Service Centre at 1-866-607-6301. They will assist you in stopping mail delivery to the deceased person's address.
2. Secure the Mailbox: Ensure the mailbox is secure to prevent unauthorized access to the deceased person's mail.

Mail Forwarding Options

1. Estate Executor or Administrator: If the deceased person had a will, the executor or administrator of their estate is responsible for managing their affairs, including mail forwarding. They can contact Canada Post to set up mail forwarding to their own address or to a designated address.
2. Next of Kin or Beneficiary: If there is no executor or administrator, the next of kin or beneficiary can contact Canada Post to set up mail forwarding to their own address.
3. Probate: If the deceased person's estate is being probated, the court will appoint an estate trustee, who can then set up mail forwarding.

Mail Forwarding Process

1. Application: The estate executor, next of kin, or beneficiary must complete a "Request for Mail Forwarding" form, which can be obtained from Canada Post or downloaded from their website.
2. Proof of Identity: Provide proof of identity and relationship to the deceased person (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate).
3. Designated Address: Specify the address where you want the mail to be forwarded.
4. Duration: Indicate the duration of the mail forwarding (e.g., until the estate is settled or a specific date).

Additional Tips

1. Notify Other Relevant Parties: Inform other relevant parties, such as banks, credit card companies, and government agencies, of the deceased person's passing to prevent identity theft and ensure proper account management.
2. Keep Records: Keep a record of all mail received and forwarded, as well as any correspondence with Canada Post or other parties.
3. Dispose of Mail: Once the estate is settled, dispose of any remaining mail and correspondence in accordance with the deceased person's wishes or applicable laws.

Remember to handle the deceased person's mail with care and respect, and seek professional advice if you're unsure about any aspect of the process.