“Settling a deceased family member’s affairs is not a one-person task. You’ll need the help of others, ranging from professionals like lawyers or CPAs, who can advise you on financial matters, to a network of friends and relatives, to whom you can delegate tasks or lean on for emotional support.” f
To Do Immediately After Someone Dies
Get a legal pronouncement of death
Tell friends and family
Find out about existing funeral and burial plans
Within a Few Days of Death
Make funeral, burial or cremation arrangements
Secure the property
Provide care for pets
Forward mail
Notify your family member’s employer
Two Weeks After Death
Secure certified copies of death certificates
Find the will and the executor
Meet with a trusts and estates attorney
Contact a CPA
Take the will to probate
Make an inventory of all assets
Track down assets
Make a list of bills
Cancel services no longer needed
Notify the following of your loved one’s death:
• The Social Security Administration
• Life insurance companies
• Banks, financial institutions
• Financial advisers, stockbrokers
• Credit agencies
Cancel driver’s license
Close credit card accounts
Terminate insurance policies
Delete or memorialize social media accounts
Close email accounts (& social media)
Life will be so much easier for our survivors if we gather this information, prepare a will and letter of last instruction and provide guidance on your wishes.
Source: Financial Planning for Women