an after death to do list

Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience, leaving you emotionally drained and facing a myriad of tasks that need immediate attention. From making funeral arrangements to handling legal matters, the sheer volume of decisions and responsibilities can feel daunting. A list of "what to do next" can be helpful in navigating this process, so we thought this list may be helpful to some of our friends. Of course this is not a comprehensive list, and legal assistance will likely be needed, but we hope this helpful in beginning the process of handling the affairs of your loved one. 

1. Handle the cremation, burial, funeral arrangements. 
2. Find (or look for) the Original Last Will & Testament and/or Trust Documents.
3. Gather Documents: Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate, Divorce Decrees, Social Security Card, Military Discharge Papers, Driver's License. 
4. ​Make a List of all accounts: Bank Accounts (Checking/Savings/Business), Credit Cards, Investments, Loans, Retirements, Insurance Policies (life, auto, home). 
5. ​Ensure that credit reporting agencies are aware of the death. 
6. Pay all expenses for funeral, burial, and debts as they come in. 
7. Forward Mail to Personal Representative, if applicable.
8. Change Utility Account mailing information, if applicable. 
9. ​Prepare an estate inventory including real estate, personal property, vehicles, financial accounts, etc. Compile a list of assets and known debts. Consider an appraisal on real estate.
10. Meet with an attorney and discuss informal probate (if there is a will) or formal probate (if there is not a will). 
11. ​Transfer real property owned as a joint tenant with right of survivorship or with a life estate.
12. Ensure all payable on death beneficiaries have been paid. 
13. Handle the distribution of assets.
14. File income taxes, if applicable. 
15. Close the Estate. 

We hope this is helpful in taking steps to handle the affairs of your loved one after death. 

​-Jill ​