Losing a loved one is among the most heartbreaking experiences we must face in our lifetime. When an event like this occurs, you understandably have a lot on your mind. Notifying other friends and family members, taking care of funeral arrangements, and trying to cope with your own grief can all feel overwhelming. Add in the additional strain of taking care of the deceased’s affairs, and you may not know where to even begin. The following is a basic checklist for Texans that will help you organize and track the various items that need your attention immediately following the passing of your loved one.
Immediately following the death, you should:
1. Contact the funeral home to take your loved one into their care.
2. Contact your minister.
3. Alert immediate family members and close friends.
4. If the deceased had any dependents, arrange for their immediate care.
5. If the deceased had any pets, arrange for their immediate care.
6. If employed, contact the deceased’s employer.
7. Alert the Successor Trustee of your loved one’s Trust.
8. Notify religious, fraternal, and civic organizations that of which your loved one was a member.
9. Remove valuables from the deceased’s home, secure the residence, and take steps to make the home appear to be occupied (for example, use lamp timers).
10. Arrange for the disposal of any perishables left in the deceased’s home, such as food, refrigerated items, and be sure to take out the trash.
11. Locate the loved one’s important documents:
a. Trust
b. Birth Certificate
c. Social Security Card
d. Marriage License
e. Military Discharge Papers (DD-214)
f. Deed to burial property
g. Copy of funeral prearrangements
h. Life insurance policies
12. Compile the following information that the funeral home will need in order to finalize the death certificate:
a. Deceased’s first, middle, and last name
b. Deceased’s Maiden name (If applicable)
c. Deceased’s home address
d. Deceased’s Social Security Number
e. Deceased’s Date of Birth
f. Deceased’s Age
g. Deceased’s Gender
h. Race/Ethnicity
i. Marital Status
j. Spouse’s first and last name
k. Deceased’s highest level of education attained
l. Deceased’s occupation
m. Deceased’s Father’s Name
i. Birth City
ii. Birth State
n. Deceased’s Mother’s Name
i. Birth City
ii. Birth State
13. If your loved one was a Veteran:
a. Entered service date
b. Entered service place
c. Service number
d. Separated from service date
e. Separated from service place
f. Grade, rank, or rating
g. Organization and branch of service
14. Obtain at least 12 copies of the certified Death Certificate.
15. Alert the Post Office to forward the deceased’s mail.
Within One Month of the Death, You Should:
1. If the deceased’s home is unoccupied, cancel unnecessary home services, such as newspaper delivery, cable service, etc.
2. Contact the Social Security Administration and other government offices that may have been making payments to the deceased. If the decedent was your spouse, inquire about eligibility for new benefits.
3. If your loved one was a Veteran, inquire about benefits that you may be entitled to through the VA.
4. File claims with life insurance companies.
5. Cancel deceased’s prescriptions.
6. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to cancel deceased’s drivers license and transfer titled of all registered vehicles.
7. Contact the deceased’s employer, if applicable. Inquire about any 401(k), pension, or company benefits that the survivors may be entitled to.
8. If death was accidental, verify whether benefits are available of existing insurance policies.
9. Check for any life insurance benefits available through existing credit card or loan accounts.
10. File any outstanding claims for health insurance or Medicare.
11. Obtain copies of deceased’s outstanding bills.
12. Update your estate planning documents
13. Update your beneficiaries on life insurance, IRA, and 401(k) accounts
14. Send thank you letters for flowers, donations, food, and kindness. Also remember to thank pall bearers.
15. Meet with an accountant to discuss the deceased’s final tax return and any estate taxes that are applicable.
16. Organize and distribute deceased’s personal belongings in accordance with their letters of instruction.
17. Notify the Register of Voters.
18. Notify all three credit reporting agencies and obtain a copy of their credit report.
Working with an experienced probate attorney through this process can help you navigate these unfamiliar waters so that you have more time to care for yourself. A lot of time can be saved and frustration prevented by calling an attorney early on. Moreover, if your loved one had a Will, an attorney may be required to represent the estate in Bexar County Probate Court. If your loved one has recently passed and you’d like professional help for your family, contact Skeen Law today for a free consultation at 210-202-1141 or info@skeenlawfirm.com.