Surviving Relative Responsibilities
Checklist for the Responsibilities of Surviving Relatives
1. Notify Authorities: Immediately inform the police or physician about the death, depending on the circumstances and location.
2. Inform Loved Ones: Reach out promptly to family members, friends, employers, and business associates to communicate the news.
3. Organize Services: Take charge of arranging the funeral or memorial service to honor the deceased.
4. Follow Instructions: Search for any specific instructions left by the deceased regarding their funeral, service, or burial preferences. If none exist, select a funeral home and burial location.
5. Check Prepayments: Determine if any expenses related to the funeral or burial have been prepaid to manage costs effectively.
6. Contact Officiant: If desired, engage a clergy member to officiate the services and provide support.
7. Obituary: Submit a well-crafted obituary to local newspapers, ensuring it includes any relevant information indicated by the deceased.
8. Charitable Contributions: Identify and list charitable organizations that the deceased would like contributions to be made in their name.
9. Record Support: Appoint someone to keep a record of individuals who send flowers, cards, or make donations, allowing you to express gratitude later.
10. Obtain Death Certificates: Secure multiple copies of the death certificate to facilitate insurance claims and institutional account updates without delay.
11. Locate Important Papers: Gather the deceased’s essential documents, including wills, life insurance policies, property deeds, vehicle titles, account statements, and stock or bond certificates—all crucial for managing their estate.
12. Access Digital Assets: Find passwords for online accounts and digital assets to ensure no important information is overlooked.
13. Inform the Attorney: Notify the deceased’s attorney of the death so they can promptly file the will with the probate court, which will appoint an executor or personal representative.
14. Contact Organizations: Reach out to all relevant organizations that the deceased was part of to explore any benefits they may be eligible for. If necessary, consult a trust officer.
15. Meet with the Attorney: Schedule a definitive meeting with the attorney to discuss next steps for estate administration and clearly understand your responsibilities and deadlines.
16. Notify Creditors: Inform creditors of the death while collaborating with legal counsel to ensure proper handling.
17. Close Accounts: Take decisive action to close any credit card accounts associated with the deceased.
18. Maintain Insurance Policies: Ensure that automobile and homeowner’s insurance policies remain active throughout the probate process; make modifications where necessary.
19. Contact Benefits Offices: Reach out to benefits offices, including employee benefits departments, Social Security, the Office of Veterans Affairs (if applicable), and life insurance companies. Clarify your responsibilities to qualify for benefits.
20. Update Financial Accounts: Proactively contact financial institutions to update registrations on accounts or investment securities, and remove the decedent’s name from joint accounts.
21. Revise Estate Planning Documents: Reassess and update any existing estate planning documents, such as wills or insurance policies, as required.
22. Change Property Titles: Ensure that the title on the decedent's properties, including automobiles and real estate, is updated promptly.
23. Secure Property for Appraisals: Safeguard all property to facilitate accurate appraisals.
24. File Tax Returns: Prepare and file the necessary federal and state estate and inheritance tax returns with your CPA or other tax professional.
This checklist empowers you to navigate the essential responsibilities after the passing of a loved one, ensuring all matters are handled effectively and respectfully.