Losing a loved one is emotionally overwhelming. Knowing what to do after a loved one dies is crucial, especially when you’re the one responsible for settling their affairs—whether as a personal representative or successor trustee—grief is often accompanied by a long list of urgent legal and administrative tasks. Understanding what to do after a loved one dies can ease this burden significantly.
This short guide will help you take the first essential steps to safeguard your loved one’s legacy while protecting yourself from potential missteps. For a more in-depth guide, click here. In the event of a loved one’s passing, you may feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do after a loved one dies.
Prioritize Security and Access
Accounts and property with designated beneficiaries generally bypass probate entirely. These assets transfer automatically upon your death, without court involvement. Common Before you meet with an attorney or begin gathering paperwork, take these immediate actions:
- Locate the estate plan. Try to find original copies of the will, trust, and powers of attorney. Originals are usually needed to begin legal proceedings.
- Secure their home and belongings. Lock doors, collect keys, and safeguard valuables, including financial documents and estate planning materials.
- Forward mail. Notify the U.S. Postal Service to redirect mail so you don’t miss bills or account notices.
Obtain Death Certificates and Notify Key Agencies
Most institutions require a certified death certificate before releasing information. You’ll typically need both short-form and long-form versions.
Start by notifying:
- Employers – To access final wages, retirement accounts, or life insurance.
- Social Security Administration – To prevent overpayments and request survivor benefits.
- Medicare – To terminate coverage and prevent billing issues.
- Insurance providers – Including life, health, home, and auto insurers.
Take Inventory of Assets and Debts
The next step is creating a comprehensive snapshot of your loved one’s financial situation:
- Assets: Include real estate, bank and retirement accounts, investment portfolios, personal property, and digital assets.
- Liabilities: Collect recent statements for mortgages, credit cards, and utility bills.
- Tax records: Obtain the last 2–3 years of returns and confirm whether the current year’s Form 1040 has been filed.
This information will be essential in determining whether probate is needed and how the estate should be administered. Navigating what to do after a loved one dies includes assessing financial situations accurately.
Identify Family, Beneficiaries, and Advisors
Your attorney will need:
- A list of all surviving family members (even if not listed in the will/trust)
- Contact information for beneficiaries, including charities
- Names and roles of professional advisors, such as CPAs, financial planners, and insurance agents
These contacts help ensure a smooth administration process and can often speed up resolution of key issues.
Prevent Identity Theft and Cancel Memberships
To minimize the risk of fraud:
- Cancel the driver’s license and passport
- Notify credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, Innovis)
- Close online accounts or recover digital assets with login credentials, if available
- Terminate memberships (clubs, subscriptions, voter registration)
Don’t Go It Alone—Mistakes Can Be Costly
Even small administrative errors can lead to delays, lawsuits, or tax complications. We’re here to help guide you through the legal process with care and clarity—so you can focus on your family.
Contact us to get started. We’ll review your loved one’s estate plan, determine whether probate is necessary, and help ensure the matter is handled with compassion and precision.
