A checklist for the practical steps you need to take in the early stages of loss
Losing a loved one is extremely difficult. Too often, the experience becomes overwhelming if you are responsible for your deceased family member’s personal and legal affairs. To better manage the process, here is a checklist to marshal the correct help.
What To Do Immediately
Get a legal pronouncement of death
Notify family and friends
Arrange organ donation
Learn about existing funeral and burial plans
Provide care for pets and dependents
Secure the property
Notify the deceased’s employer
What To Do Within A Few Days Of Death
Decide on funeral, burial, or cremation arrangements
Forward mail
Choose a casket or urn
Perform a thorough check of the loved one’s home
Write an obituary
What To Do For The Funeral, Memorial Service, Or Celebration Of Life
Determine if you need financial assistance
Find out about veterans’ benefits
Choose funeral participants
Create a schedule for the memorial service
Order custom materials and flowers
Coordinate food and beverages
Get the word out
What To Do Within A Few Weeks After Death
Secure multiple certified copies of the death certificate
Purchase a headstone
Locate the will and find the executor
Begin the probate process with the will
Get in contact with a CPA
Reach out to a trusts and estates attorney
Make a list of all assets
Find assets
Create a list of bills
Pay important bills
Cancel unneeded services
Contact insurance providers and terminate policies
Cancel your loved one’s driver’s license
Close the person’s credit card accounts
Discover employment benefits
Delete or memorialize your love one’s social media accounts
Close email accounts
Notify The Following That Your Loved One Has Died:
The Social Security office
Banks or mortgage companies
Financial advisers or stockbrokers
Life insurance companies
Credit reporting agencies