What do I do When a Loved one Dies?

10 Steps to follow
  1. Take some time for yourself
    The most important thing to do now is to take the time you need with your family and friends.

  2. Call our office
    Set up an appointment to review the Estate &/or Trust as to what is required to settle it.

  3. Notify the Post office of the Death
    Also, go through the deceased's mail and cancel subscriptions, phone and utility services, if appropriate.

  4. Contact Social Security, Report the death
    They will usually require a certified death certificate. If you are a surviving spouse, call 800-772-1213 for an appointment with the nearest Social Security office. They can review the benefits available to you. To apply for survivor’s benefits, you will need to have birth, death, and marriage certificates, Social Security numbers, and a copy of the deceased’s recent federal income tax return.

  5. File life insurance claims
    Call Insurers to request claim forms for Life Insurance and Annuities.

  6. Contact Homeowner’s Insurance Company
    Make sure you know what is required to cover the house and contents, particularly if the house will be vacant.

  7. Contact past Employers, Unions or Other Professional Groups
    Some may have pensions, stock benefits, deferred compensation or other benefits for the surviving spouse or other beneficiaries.

  8. Contact the Veteran’s Administration
    Call (888) 748-5822 to report the death. If the deceased was a veteran, you will need a copy of the discharge certificate. If you cannot find a copy, contact National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63132-5200 (Send it to the attention of the branch in which the deceased served).

  9. Contact Creditors
    Advise all creditors of the death in writing, including issuers of credit cards. If there were any loans, find out if they are insured. Some loans, mortgages, and credit card accounts are covered by credit life insurance, which pays off account balances.

  10. As time permits, Find the Original Documents Related to the Deceased’s Estate
    This may include all or some of the following:
  • Trust
  • Pour Over Will or Last Will and Testament
  • Affidavit of Trust
  • Pre-Nuptial Agreement
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Death Certificate
  • Deeds
  • Car, Boat, Camper Titles
  • Current Bank Statements
  • Current Brokerage Statements
  • Stock Certificates and Current Statements
  • IRAs, 401Ks and other Retirement Plans & Statements
  • Insurance Policies & Annuity Contracts
  • Income Tax Records for the Past 3 Years
  • Gift Tax Returns
  • Business Agreements
  • Bills and Expenses – funeral home, medical and other expenses due but unpaid at date of death; credit card bills & statements; mortgages and other loans