If you have lost your spouse, check with Social Security to see what spousal and survivor benefits you might be eligible to receive. (The same applies to your own will, insurance policies, and estate strategy.) Titles and deeds for real estate, cars, and trucks also need updating. You will also probably need to update the listed beneficiaries on any investment accounts you inherit. Talk with these professionals to learn about your options as a beneficiary and the possible tax implications from inheriting these assets. Investment and retirement plan accounts and insurance policies should have beneficiaries, so reach out to the financial and insurance professionals who helped your loved one as well as the person overseeing their workplace retirement plan. ![]() (Creditors can be sympathetic in these situations and maybe lenient with you if you ask.)įollowing these steps, address financial, insurance, and credit matters. The monthly bills for these debts should now be put in your name and paid from your accounts. Should your loved one die without a will, you may want to contact a lawyer, anyway, for an overview of how the probate process will work and see to what degree you might become liable for your loved one’s debt.įive, resolve to keep track of any recurring debts that your loved one had set to autopay. The HR officer might need you to fill out some paperwork pertaining to retirement plans, health benefits, and compensation for unused vacation time.įour, consider speaking with an attorney – ideally, this is the lawyer who helped your loved one create a will or estate plan. Three, if the person was still working, contact the human resources officer at your loved one’s workplace to inform them what has happened. (Counties usually charge a small fee for each copy issued.) Ten to 12 copies may seem excessive, but you may need that many while working with insurance companies and various financial institutions. Two, call or email the county clerk or recorder to request 10 to 12 death certificates a funeral home director can often help you with this matter. One, contact a funeral home to arrange a viewing, cremation, or burial, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased. It can be addressed to whomever you choose, but typically, letters of instructions are directed to the executor, family members, or beneficiaries. A letter of instructions is not a legal document it’s a letter that provides additional and more-personal information regarding an estate. ![]() In addition, see if the person left a letter of instructions. Prior to their loved one’s passing, some family members may try to centralize all this information or state where it can be found. Last, but not least, look for a computer file or printout with digital account passwords. * Any social media platforms, if applicable * Any bills due or records of credit card statements ![]() * Bank account, investment account, and retirement plan statements Then, gather these additional highly important items. Generally, the person’s Social Security number will be retired shortly following the death. As a rule, you will need the death certificate, with the cause of death listed, to move forward with any claim. If a trust exists, consider contacting the professional or firm who helped set up the document. If none of these exist, you could face a longer legal process when settling the person’s estate. * A will, a trust, or other estate documents. Ask for help from other family members if you need it. It plans for what comes next.įirst, gather documents. If not, estate planning is an important aspect of one’s overall financial picture. ![]() There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of – and in recognition of this reality, here is a checklist that you may find useful at such a time. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. Estate Planning Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes An overview of some of the fundamental steps to take.
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