An After-Death Checklist

Content Type: 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.