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When someone dies in Alberta: death certificate, estate and probate

The first steps after a death in Alberta, how to get a death certificate and where to apply for probate, from the official pages.

First steps

  1. A doctor or coroner confirms the death and the funeral home registers it with the province. Ask the funeral home for several proofs of death.
  2. Look for the will and for the name of the executor (the person who administers the estate).
  3. Order a death certificate: banks, insurers and pension plans usually ask for one.
  4. Notify government benefit programs and the Canada Revenue Agency, and file the deceased's final tax return; the executor should also get a clearance certificate before distributing the estate.

Death certificate

All deaths in Alberta must be registered; the government can issue documents only for registered Alberta deaths. Use the page to order a certificate.

Official page: death certificate ↗

The estate and probate

A grant of probate confirms the executor named in the will; file it at the judicial centre closest by road to where the deceased lived. Land titles offices need the original filed grant, not a notarized copy. The Public Trustee cannot help with grant applications. Unless family consents or a court orders otherwise, the personal representative should not distribute for six months after the grant.

Official page: estates and probate ↗

General information, not legal or financial advice; fees, thresholds and forms change and were read on 2026-11-14. For a large or contested estate, ask a lawyer. Quebec estates are handled under Quebec's civil law: see atlasquebec.ca.

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