Open Provinces Français

When someone dies in New Brunswick: death certificate, estate and probate

The first steps after a death in New Brunswick, 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

A death must be registered with Vital Statistics (funeral homes, coroners and practitioners use the electronic tool); a death certificate may then be needed for benefits, insurance and settling the estate.

Official page: death certificate ↗

The estate and probate

The Probate Court issues letters probate (with a will) or appoints an administrator (without). Probate is optional but recommended when the estate includes real property. Apply through the Clerk of the Probate Court; probate tax rates rose for applications filed on or after June 12, 2026.

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