Handling the Deceased’s Affairs & What to Do When Someone Dies
Losing a loved one is always a very difficult experience. When you’re grieving, navigating the practicalities of handling the deceased’s affairs can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to help you manage the many tasks that come with the passing of a loved one.
Key Takeaways
- Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate; you’ll need it for various administrative purposes.
- Notify friends, family, employers, and companies your loved one had accounts with.
- Secure the deceased’s property and make arrangements for dependents and pets.
- Plan funeral, burial, or memorial arrangements that honor the deceased’s wishes.
- Settle the estate and distribute assets according to the will or state laws.
A Checklist for What to Do When Someone Dies
After a loved one passes away, there are certain steps you must take. Do the following things as soon as possible; but remember, taking time to grieve is just as important.
Ensure a Legal Pronouncement of Death
First, you’ll need to obtain a legal pronouncement of death. This means having a professional verify that the person has died. Staff handle this in hospitals and nursing homes. If the person died at home, call 911 so paramedics can take them to an emergency room where a doctor can declare them dead.
Next, you’ll want to secure multiple copies of the death certificate. You’ll need them for various purposes, such as closing accounts and claiming benefits. The process can vary by state, but you’ll need to contact the local vital records office. Generally, you’ll need to know the date the person passed and where.
Notify Immediate Friends, Family Members, and Acquaintances of the Passing
Informing friends, family, employers, and other relevant parties about the death is hard but necessary. You don’t have to take on the whole burden yourself. Consider asking a trusted friend to help you let everyone know. Sometimes, putting a sensitively worded post on social media is a fast and efficient way to get the word out. It also provides a place for people to leave messages of support or condolences.
Reach Out to Necessary Agencies or Companies of the Deceased
You’ll need to notify various companies of the death to cancel services, claim benefits, or prevent identity theft. These may include banks, insurance companies, government agencies, utility providers, and subscription services.
Make a list of all the organizations that the deceased person had dealings with. You can then work through the list at your own pace. Some of the first organizations you should contact when dealing with the deceased’s affairs might include the Social Security Administration (if the person was receiving benefits), life insurance companies, banks, and financial advisers. Next, you can move on to companies with which the person held subscriptions. You should also contact credit card companies, credit agencies, and loyalty programs. You might be able to transfer accrued benefits to your account or that of a nominated person.
Secure Your Loved One’s Property and Assets and Make Arrangements for Children and Pets
Ensure that the deceased’s property is secure, including their home, vehicles, and personal belongings. Throw out uneaten food so it doesn’t go bad, take out the trash, and lock up the home. Make sure any photos or other items you want to keep are safe.
If the deceased had dependents, such as children or elderly relatives, you should make arrangements for their care and well-being. Check the will or estate plan to see if there are any guardianship arrangements.
You may need to find new permanent homes for pets with family members or friends or contact animal shelters or rescue organizations. If you haven’t decided whether to keep the pets, consider hiring pet sitters or caretakers temporarily until you find a more permanent solution.
Unfortunately, when someone passes away, there may be disputes among family members about what should happen to children or property.Ensuring that children are cared for and property is secured can offer a family time to determine whether the deceased had estate planning documents in place and how to move forward.
Carina Jenkins, Elder and Family Law Attorney
Plan Funeral, Burial, or Memorial Arrangements That Honor the Deceased’s Wishes
Consider the wishes of the deceased when planning funeral or memorial services. Choose a funeral home that can accommodate these wishes within your budget. Some people leave details of their wishes in a letter of instruction, so check through the deceased’s documents to see if you can find this.
Settle the Estate and Distribute Assets to Necessary Parties
Identify the deceased’s assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and personal belongings. Follow the instructions outlined in the will, if available, check state laws to find out how you should distribute the estate. Additionally, you’ll need to handle outstanding debts and taxes and file final tax returns on behalf of the deceased. The tax return is due by the regular April tax date.
Depending on what kind of estate planning documents were executed and whether there are things like outstanding debts to be settled, the probate process is often a necessary part of settling an estate. While many families handle this without lawyers, you shouldn’t be afraid to seek legal advice, especially if there’s something complicated to address.
Carina Jenkins, Elder and Family Law Attorney
Manage Long-Term Considerations With Immediate Family
Address any long-term responsibilities, such as maintaining property until you transfer or sell it. Additionally, consider the deceased’s digital legacy, which might include their social media and email accounts. One option is to contact the relevant companies to close these accounts. Some sites alternatively allow you to turn the deceased’s profiles into memorial pages. This option brings comfort to some grieving people, but be sure to discuss the options with those closest to the deceased before deciding what to do.
Handling the Administrative Side of Death: What You Need to Do
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences, but with guidance and support, you can navigate the practicalities of handling the deceased’s affairs. Remember, you’re not alone during this time. Mental health support is available if you need it. If you feel overwhelmed following the passing of a loved one, reach out for help today.
Written by Nathan Whiteoak
Nathan Whiteoak, a graduate in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, has developed a diverse writing portfolio over the last 14 years. As a writer and editor, Nathan has worked on a variety of projects, delivering content in the fields of technology, health, medicine, travel, and home services. Clients rely on Nathan for accurate content, a consistent brand voice, and a fast turnaround time. His personal interests include hiking, swing dancing, writing short fiction, and circus skills.
Edited by Katelynne Shepard
Katelynne Shepard is a writer, editor and SME who is proficient at crafting and reviewing content. She has been a full-time copywriter and editor since 2011 and has written content for Fortune 500 companies, independent law firms, indie publishers, small-business owners and mainstream websites. She specializes in parenting, lifestyle, family law, personal injury, criminal law, immigration law, astrology, personal finance, education and health care. In addition to thousands of e-commerce product and category descriptions, Verle's work includes SEO blogs, social media posts and long-form informational articles.
Subject Matter Expert Carina Jenkins
Carina has over 15 years of legal experience with a focus on estate planning, family and criminal law. She was a prosecutor before going into private practice. Since 2019 she has focused on providing services as a writer and legal subject matter expert. In her free time Carina enjoys skiing and reading fiction.