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

The first steps after a death in Nunavut, 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

Issued by the Department of Health for deaths registered since April 1, 1999 ($10 per certificate when we read the page); by mail to Nunavut Vital Statistics in Rankin Inlet. Immediate family, next of kin or people with a need such as estate settlement can apply.

Official page: death certificate ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)

The estate and probate

The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee settles estates when no next of kin is willing and able to act. The Nunavut Court of Justice (Iqaluit) handles probate: the court publishes the application forms (Form 1, application for probate or administration) and the Public Trustee can probate an estate for a fee. Confirm the steps with the court registry.

Official page: estates and probate ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)

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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