An After-Death Checklist

Here is a quick guide to some of the documents you may need to acquire — and actions you may need to take — after a death in the family.

• Request multiple copies of the death certificate.
• Seek advice to determine whether you need to initiate probate.
• Gather official documents, including the will, auto and property titles, and cemetery plot deeds.
• Contact the Social Security Administration, Veteran’s Affairs, if applicable, and any other government agencies as appropriate to stop payments and ask about survivor benefits.
• If the deceased was working or receiving retirement benefits, contact his or her employer about unpaid wages and benefits.
• Cancel or transfer accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, and utilities.
• Pay final bills and taxes.
• Submit insurance claim forms.

A death in the family is never easy to deal with. Learn how to handle the financial aspects of losing a loved one in this article from Regions.