Provide for the care of any dependents or pets
Hopefully, the caregiver was named in the Will.
Arrange for the funeral services
As per the person’s wishes.
Contact friends, family, caregivers and employers
Inform them of the death.
Start tracking finances
Keep track of any money received or spent on behalf of the deceased or from the estate.
Write the obituary
Publish it with the funeral home and other desired media.
Secure real estate assets
Get control of any real estate that your loved one owned, such as their home, business, rental property or commercial property. This includes getting the keys, changing the locks if necessary, and notifying the building or property manager and tenants. Let tenants know how and to whom rent is now to be paid.
Obtain certified copies of the Death Certificate
You will probably need at least 10.
Contact the appropriate government agencies
Such as the Social Security Administration, Medicare and the Veteran’s Administration (if applicable).
Gather contact information
Make a list of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all of the heirs and named beneficiaries.
Create a list of personal and financial assets and debts
This includes bank accounts, credit cards, safety deposit boxes, investment accounts, mortgages, real estate taxes, car registration, insurance policies, etc.
Get online account information
If possible, compile a list of user names and passwords for online financial accounts, social media accounts, etc.
Deactivate the social media accounts
See our article on “what to do with your deceased loved one’s social media accounts.”
Contact the life insurance company
They will have forms for you to fill out.
Contact the attorney who prepared the Will and/or Trust
To discuss Will and/or Trust administration procedures.