What to Do When a Loved One Dies

Before You Read Further

If you are reading this soon after a loss, we are sorry. There is no good time for this kind of work, and it is normal to feel like the last thing you want to think about right now is paperwork. This guide is meant to make that part a little easier so you can spend more of your time and attention on what matters most right now.

You do not have to do all of this today, or even this week. Take it in pieces.

In the First Few Days

• Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate. You will need more than you expect — often 10 or more — for banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.
• Locate the will, if one exists, and contact an estate attorney if you have not already.
• Notify immediate family, close friends, and the person's employer if applicable.
• Secure the home and any valuables if the person lived alone.
• Contact a funeral home if arrangements have not already been made.

Within the First Few Weeks

• Notify the Social Security Administration. Funeral homes will often do this on your behalf, but it is worth confirming.
• Contact any life insurance companies to begin the claims process.
• Notify banks, credit unions, and investment account custodians.
• Notify the mortgage or property lender, if applicable.
• Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and memberships.
• Redirect mail if needed.
• Notify the person's employer regarding any final pay, benefits, or retirement accounts.

Within the First Few Months

• Work with the estate attorney or executor to begin the probate process, if required.
• Retitle jointly held assets and update beneficiary designations where needed.
• Review and, if appropriate, begin transferring retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k)) according to beneficiary rules.
• Address any outstanding debts of the estate.
• Begin gathering documents for the estate's final tax filings.
• Update your own estate planning documents to reflect the change.

Documents You Will Likely Need

• Certified copies of the death certificate
• The will and any trust documents
• Recent tax returns
• Account statements (bank, investment, retirement)
• Insurance policies
• Property deeds and titles
• Outstanding loan or debt statements

A Note on Decisions

This is not the time to make major financial decisions quickly. Selling a home, moving investments, or making large gifts can usually wait. Take the time you need before making changes that cannot easily be undone.

You Do Not Have to Do This Alone

Many of these steps involve institutions, deadlines, and paperwork that can feel overwhelming on top of grief. An estate attorney, a tax professional, and a financial advisor can each take pieces of this off your plate. If you are not sure where to start, that is a reasonable place to start too.