Help and Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear answers to your questions about testamentary search, timeframes, required documents, and the process of our administrative procedures.

Will Search

Is it mandatory to conduct a will search?

Yes. After a death, a will search must be conducted to verify if the deceased person left a registered will and to ensure that the succession process is based on the most recent known will.

What is the purpose of a will search?

It serves to confirm the existence or absence of a registered will. If a will is found, the certificate may indicate where to apply to obtain a copy.

Do I receive the will?

No. The will search certificate does not contain the will. It confirms the result of the search and may indicate where to request a copy if a will is registered.

What does the will search certificate contain?

The certificate confirms the result of the search. It may indicate if a will is registered and, if applicable, the contact information of the professional or the location where it is kept.

What should I do if no will is found?

If no will is found, the succession process must proceed according to the applicable situation. For any legal questions, consult a notary or a lawyer.

Required Documents

Which death document is required?

A death certificate or an official copy of an act of death is generally required to begin the application.

Can I start without a death certificate?

You can prepare your file, but the death certificate or copy of the act of death will be required to complete the application.

Is an attestation of death from the funeral home sufficient?

No. An attestation or declaration provided by a funeral home generally does not replace the official death certificate or copy of the act of death.

Can the document be photographed?

Yes, provided the photo is clear, complete, and legible. A blurry or cropped document may delay processing.

Processing Times and Fees

How long does a will search take?

At DOCUGO, regular processing takes 20 business days and expedited processing takes 3 to 5 business days, starting from the receipt of a complete file. The timeframes for obtaining the death certificate and those of the organizations involved are separate.

What is the difference between regular and expedited?

The regular service is intended for requests without any particular urgency. The expedited service allows for the reduction of the processing time for the will search when you need to obtain the results more quickly to continue your procedures.

How much does the service cost?

The regular service is $155. The expedited service is $245. Rates must be confirmed on the Pricing page before going live.

Does payment guarantee a positive result?

No. The search may confirm that a will is registered or that no will was found. The payment covers the assistance and the procedures involved, not the existence of a will.

Why expedite my will search if I am considering renouncing a succession?

In Quebec, the time limit to accept an estate or renounce it is generally six months from the date of death, with possible extensions depending on the situation. Obtaining your search results more quickly can help you continue your steps with a notary within the applicable time limits.

Does the expedited service allow you to obtain the death certificate faster?

No. The death certificate is issued by the Directeur de l’état civil. The DOCUGO expedited service concerns only the processing time of your will search, once the file is complete.

DOCUGO

Does DOCUGO provide legal advice?

No. DOCUGO offers administrative assistance for will searches. For any legal questions, consult a notary or a lawyer.

Is DOCUGO an official registry?

No. DOCUGO is not an official registry. DOCUGO assists applicants in the preparation, transmission, and follow-up of their will search application.

Does DOCUGO replace a notary?

No. DOCUGO does not replace a notary or a lawyer. DOCUGO offers an administrative service related to the will search application.

How can I track my application?

DOCUGO communicates with the applicant when information is missing or when available results can be transmitted.