Forwarding or redirecting mail after a death should be taken care of as soon as possible, as there may be information sent that requires your immediate attention (such as credit card bills, mortgage payments, or other services that need notification of death).

Furthermore, if mail piles up at an unattended residence, two risks arise:

1. Identity Theft- Someone could steal the mail and use personal information to steal the deceased’s identity and commit fraud
2. Theft and Break-ins- An overflowing mailbox is a sign to criminals that the residence is unattended, giving them a perfect chance to break in without being noticed

Redirecting mail through Canada Post requires you to purchase a mail forwarding service. These can be bought for a 4-month or 12-month period at your local Canada Post office.

You can purchase the mail forwarding service online or at the post office; however, you will need to visit a post office location to complete the service either way. Purchasing online will allow you to fill-out and print the necessary documents ahead of time, which could save time.

How to Purchase Mail Forwarding Online

You can purchase the mail forwarding service in 2 ways:

1. To purchase online, complete the online form to specify whose mail is being forwarded and to where. The form can be found here.
2. Print the barcode provided and pay online.
3. To purchase at a post office, go to your local post office to complete the form, or fill out the form ahead of time and take a printed copy with you.

Next, take the barcode (if applicable) to a post office, along with the following items:

• Government-issued ID
• Barcode from online purchase
• One of the following:
• Death certificate
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Funeral director’s proof of death
• Cremation certificate
• Another comparable certificate to authenticate the death.
• Proof of your authority to act on behalf of the deceased (one of the following):
• Copy of the Will naming you as the executor
• Letter of Probate
• Letters of Administration
• Certificate of appointment of the estate liquidator/Certified statement of the liquidator
• Statutory declaration form

Canada Post Mail Forwarding Prices

Below is the Canada Post Mail Forwarding prices as of  March 2021:

Source: canadapost-postescanada.ca

Settling an estate is a process that can be time-consuming and frustrating. Cadence Executor Assistance Services can help you with the notifications, cancellations, and applications required following a death.

Learn How Cadence Can Help

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