Things To Do When A Person Dies

The death of a loved one results in tremendous stress. Besides dealing with burial plans and notification of family and friends, the personal representative of the estate is often faced with a bewildering set of concerns. The following is a basic checklist of action items that may be helpful in organizing a deceased person's estate:

1.   Immediately notify family, close friends and attending physician;

2.   Determine decedent's expressed funeral and burial wishes, arrange for obituary and funeral arrangements and order multiple death certificates;

3.   Arrange care for pets, find and dispose of perishable property, secure residence and forward mail;

4.   Keep records of all payments for funeral and other expenses;

5.   Locate safe deposit box, will, codicils, trust and other estate-planning documents;

6.   Locate life insurance policies, investment and bank account information;

7.   Advise Social Security and other government agencies as appropriate;

8.   Investigate social security benefits, life insurance, union, veteran, employee benefits, business and retirement accounts;

9.   Meet and retain estate attorney;

10.  Deal with fire, theft, liability and auto insurance of the decedent;

11.  Prepare inventory of assets, accounts and debts, and obtain valuations, if necessary;

12. Review credit cards for payment and cancellation; and

13.  Arrange for final income tax return and estate tax return, as necessary.

This article was provided by the law firm of Hall Estill, www.HallEstill.com.