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

The first steps after a death in Manitoba, 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

The Vital Statistics Branch takes applications for a Manitoba death document online, by mail or by fax (regular or rush service); the form page lists the current fees.

Official page: death certificate ↗

The estate and probate

The Public Trustee's Deceased Estate Handbook explains the steps: proof of death (the funeral home usually provides it free; Vital Statistics sells certificates), the court grant (probate with a will, letters of administration without) from the Court of King's Bench, and a notice to a surviving spouse or common-law partner within 30 days of the grant. Probate fees depend on the value of the estate.

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.

Guides for this province