Immediate Steps After a Death
Obtain a certified death certificate from the funeral home or vital records office. Notify close family members, the employer, and banks. Gather key documents such as the will, insurance policies, and property deeds.
Legal and Financial Tasks
Locate the will and contact the named executor or estate attorney. Open an estate bank account if needed. Notify government agencies, including the Social Security Administration, and cancel or transfer accounts. For detailed guidance on probate and estate settlement, visit Cornell Law Institute probate overview.
Administrative and Long-Term Matters
Arrange funeral and burial costs, then review insurance coverage for reimbursement. Update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance. Close or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and memberships. Keep copies of all correspondence and receipts for estate records.
