When a loved one passes away, it is an emotional and
difficult time. The last thing someone wants to think about are the practical
steps that need to be taken care of during this time of grieving. Some practical
steps family members and/or friends may want to take during this time include:
- Request copies of the death certificate through the funeral home, mortuary or the state’s vital records office.
2. Locate important papers,
such as the decedent’s legal documents, financial records and information.
3. Notify
any bank or credit unions where the decedent did business, any brokerage firms,
and life insurance companies where the decedent maintained life insurance. Find
out whether these assets had named beneficiaries or were payable on death.
4. Notify
Social Security Administration, Department of Veteran’s Affairs (if the
deceased was a veteran), Medicare/Medicaid (if applicable) and similar
agencies.
5. Start the probate process,
if probate is necessary to administer the estate.
6. The personal representative should collect
the decedent’s assets that are part of the probate estate and
follow the state’s laws of administration of the estate.
7. Safeguard
the decedent’s home and vehicle(s) and protect valuables, including checking on
insurance coverage for the estate or heirs for any real estate, vehicle(s) and
specifically insured items.
8. Forward the decedent’s mail
at the post office.
9. Cancel utilities and other services when appropriate and
request final bills.
Written by Heather W. Winter, Esquire
