We have included some general guidelines to help you outline what needs to be done, however this list may not include all considerations of your unique situation. When you are able, it may be helpful to collect all of your loved one’s important paperwork, deeds, advanced directives, etc. in order to inventory their accounts and
• The first step will be to contact an aftercare facility (i.e., funeral home, cremation service, etc.). They will make necessary arrangements to transport your loved one to their facility in order to honor your loved one’s and family’s wishes.
• Be certain to secure and lock-up your loved one’s home and/or property, automobile(s) and any other accessible assets.
• You will need to contact the local Vital Records Office in order to acquire your loved one’s death certificate. You may need to acquire multiple certified copies in order to submit to certain account providers and institutions. While making initial contacts, be certain to ask all account providers (outlined below) if they will require a certified copy of the death certificate so you can get them all at once. Generally speaking, each major asset (i.e. car, real estate, etc.) and benefit (i.e. pension, life insurance, etc.) will require a certified copy; however, some institutions may be able to return the copy to you after the account/asset has been transferred. Some account and benefit providers may also require document verification regarding your relationship (i.e. marriage certificate, etc.) assets.
• All account providers such as insurance companies (health, life, automobile, homeowner, etc.), state and/or federal benefit (Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, etc.), utility (electricity, oil, cell, lease, online and entertainment accounts, subscriptions, etc.) should be contacted to transfer or discontinue the benefits or accounts.
• Contact your loved one’s employer regarding any employment benefits or pension plans, as applicable. Be aware you may be required to submit one copy of the death certificate per separate claim.
• Contact the local post office to inform them of your loved one’s death and inform them where to forward their mail. It may be helpful to continue to review their mail so that you may continue to monitor it for any notifications regarding other accounts, bills, etc. which you may not be aware of.
• Contact your loved one’s bank(s) and financial account providers to manage their accounts, safety deposit boxes, bonds, 401k, etc.
• Contact a probate attorney, as needed, for legal assistance surrounding asset, trust and estate management.
• Contact any identification, licensing or certification boards or institutions in order to cancel your loved one’s licenses, certifications etc. These may include your loved one’s driver’s license, notary public commission, professional licenses and/or certifications, etc.
• A tax return will most likely have to be filed, as one must be submitted annually. You may also want to consult with an accountant or tax preparer to inquire whether or not an estate tax return must be filed.