Losing a loved one can be a challenging and emotional time. While it is essential to take the time to grieve and reflect on the memories shared, there are also practical matters that need to be addressed. Here is a checklist of tasks to do after a loved one passes away, including important items to get done as soon as possible.

Notify Family and Friends

It is important to inform family and close friends of the loved one’s passing. Consider delegating this task to one person to avoid multiple calls and to ensure everyone is informed. You may want to ask for help from close friends or family members in spreading the news. Once close family members have been reached in person, you could consider also sharing the news on social media.

Arrange for Funeral or Memorial Services

Decide on the type of service the deceased would have wanted and contact a funeral home or a crematorium. You may also want to arrange for transportation of the deceased to the final resting place, whether it is a cemetery, a crematorium, or another location. You’ll need to pick a day and if you want it to be a small service with just close friends and family, or if anyone who wants to attend is welcome.

Obtain the Death Certificate

Obtaining a death certificate is necessary for legal purposes and to settle the estate. Contact the vital statistics office in the jurisdiction where the death occurred to obtain a certified copy of the death certificate. You may be able to work with the hospital if the person died while in their care.

Notify Government Agencies

Notify government agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Veterans Administration (if the person was in the military) of the death. This will help to avoid any fraud or identity theft.

Obtain Military Documentation

If the loved one served in the military, obtain their DD214 or other military documentation to ensure their burial arrangements and other benefits are correctly handled. They may be entitled to a full military funeral, but you’ll need the documents to prove it.

Review the Will and/or Estate Plan

Having a will is essential to ensure that assets get allocated appropriately. Review the deceased’s will and/or estate plan to understand their wishes and your responsibilities. This document will outline what the deceased has left to loved ones, charities, or other organizations.

Contact an Attorney

An attorney specializing in estate law can help navigate the probate process, ensuring all legal requirements are met, and the estate is settled smoothly. If there are properties to settle, and other matters that need to be taken care of, an attorney can help you navigate them.

Notify the Deceased’s Employer

Contact the deceased’s employer to notify them of the passing, and ensure any outstanding payments are made, such as wages, benefits, or retirement plans. Stay on top of getting these assets released to the estate as soon as possible.

Secure the Deceased’s Property

Secure the deceased’s property by changing the locks on their home and storing valuables in a safe place. You may also want to consider hiring a property management company to look after the home until the estate is settled.

Cancel Accounts and Services

Cancel any accounts or services in the deceased’s name, such as cable and internet. You may need to keep the electricity and other essential services turned on until the estate is settled and either someone from the family takes possession of the home or it gets sold. This will prevent damage to the property and will ensure that everything is in working order.

Close Financial Accounts

Work with a lawyer to ensure that you keep accounts open until the estate is settled and that you close any unnecessary accounts in the deceased’s name, including bank accounts and credit cards. This includes retirement accounts and investments. This will help prevent any fraudulent activity from occurring.

Plan for Ongoing Expenses

Make arrangements to pay for ongoing expenses such as a mortgage or rent payments until the estate is settled. You may need to sell assets or borrow money to cover these expenses, so consult with an attorney or financial advisor to determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

Losing a loved one is hard, but these are just some of the important financial tasks that need to be done after they pass away. It can be overwhelming to navigate these responsibilities during such a difficult time, but seeking help from family, friends, and professionals can ease the burden and ensure that the deceased’s final wishes are respected.

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