When someone dies in Northwest Territories: death certificate, estate and probate

The first steps after a death in Northwest Territories, 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

Only for deaths that occurred in the NWT; the death must be registered first (the coroner or funeral home sends the statement). Next of kin and people who need it for court or to settle an estate can order one.

Official page: death certificate ↗

The estate and probate

The Justice department's page on death covers estates; the Supreme Court of the NWT's Estate Administration Rules govern probate, and a grant cannot issue until seven days after the death. A small-estate form asks for a certified death certificate, or other proof of death if none is available.

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

• Renting in Northwest Territories: rights, rent increases and average rents
• Working in Northwest Territories: minimum wage, standards and wages
• Moving to Northwest Territories: health card, driver's licence and taxes
• Cost of living in Northwest Territories: prices, rent, wages and taxes
• Buying a home in Northwest Territories: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
• Health care in Northwest Territories: health card, drug plans and dental help
• Studying in Northwest Territories: tuition, student aid and grants
• Seniors in Northwest Territories: pensions, supplements and programs
• Taxes in Northwest Territories: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
• Families in Northwest Territories: child benefits and family programs
• Documents and ID in Northwest Territories: birth certificate and change of name
• Starting a business in Northwest Territories: register a name, GST/HST and licences
• Problems and disputes in Northwest Territories: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
• Driving and vehicles in Northwest Territories: switching your licence and what is required
• Photo ID card in Northwest Territories without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
• Getting married in Northwest Territories: marriage licence, fees and documents
• Health card in Northwest Territories: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
• When someone dies in Northwest Territories: death certificate, estate and probate
• Registering a child for school in Northwest Territories: age, documents and where to sign up
• Child care in Northwest Territories: fees, finding a space and subsidies
• Immigrating to Northwest Territories: nominee program, steps and processing times
• Accessible parking permit in Northwest Territories: how to apply
• Alcohol rules in Northwest Territories: legal age and where to buy
• Car insurance in Northwest Territories: what is compulsory and where to buy it
• Cannabis rules in Northwest Territories: legal age, where to buy and where to use
• Disability income and supports in Northwest Territories: how to apply
• Prescription drug coverage in Northwest Territories: public plans and how to enrol
• Emergency preparedness in Northwest Territories: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
• Separation, parenting and child support in Northwest Territories: free help and enforcement
• Help for family violence and victims of crime in Northwest Territories
• Fishing and hunting licences in Northwest Territories: where to buy and what you need
• Health advice line (811) in Northwest Territories: speak to a nurse any time
• Indigenous relations and services in Northwest Territories: who does what
• Marriage licence fee in Northwest Territories
• New drivers in Northwest Territories: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
• Provincial parks and camping reservations in Northwest Territories
• Probate fees in Northwest Territories: what an estate pays
• Social assistance in Northwest Territories: how to apply for income support
• Social housing and rent help in Northwest Territories: how to apply
• Student loans and grants in Northwest Territories: where to apply
• Voting in Northwest Territories: register, check your status and find your election office
• Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Northwest Territories