A Survivor's Checklist (What to do when a Spouse dies)

FOLLOWING THE DEATH, YOU SHOULD:

IMMEDIATE

The immediate items hardly need to be restated, but are here just as a reminder.  It can be an emotional time and even simple things can seem difficult to handle.  

• Confirm the Full Legal Name of the deceased.
• Contact the Police to confirm the deceased’s location.
• Contact immediate family members and close friends. See if they can contact additional family to let them know.
• Contact the deceased’s employer if employed.
• If applicable, notify the agent under Power of Attorney, Trustee of Family Trust, or Conservators.
• Arrange Disposition of Remains.
• Carry out wishes for Funeral or arrange one. Contact all loved ones and close ones to reach out for the funeral.

FINANCIAL & BANKING

• Contact any services or subscriptions the deceased have to halt services. (Phones, internet, etc..) Cancel any recurring payments.
• Contact social services to determine any benefits of the deceased.
• Organize any documents that were owned by the deceased (Ex. Trust Documents, Martial Agreements, Bank Statements, Divorce Papers, Etc…)
• Protect against inheritance theft and cons that may attack the estate.
• Notify Insurance Companies of deceased.
• Secure all passwords and login information for the deceased and make a master list.
• Remove Valuables from residence.
• Arrange Mail to be forwarded or picked up for the deceased to representative or trustee.

LEGAL

• Verify whether the deceased had a last will or trust documents (Living Trust).
• Call the decedent’s attorney and inform them of the death.
• Read All Estate Planning or trust documents the deceased may have.
• Order Death Certificates.
• Hire a local probate attorney to open a probate for any assets which are not in Trust.

This is not a comprehensive list, but a guideline to assist in helping identify areas to be addressed.  There are often many more areas in today’s digital world which may also need to be addressed. Please contact our office at [e-mail] or 602-230-2014 if the deceased was a client of Lodmell & Lodmell, P.C. and we will do everything possible to assist you.