When a loved one dies, family members do not always think clearly due to the emotional stress. Here is a checklist to help organize thoughts during this grieving process:
• Make funeral arrangements.
• Notify relatives and friends.
• Collect copies of last will; certified copies of death certificates (preferably four or more
from funeral director); insurance policies; latest financial statement; location and account
numbers for bank statement; birth certificate; marriage license; Social Security number;
Veterans Affairs number and record; list of employer fringe benefits and last three tax returns.
• Contact attorney to notify witnesses to will and schedule meeting to handle estate settlement.
• Advise executor of estate, if known.
• Contact banks to verify status of checking, savings and safety deposit box.
• Notify casualty insurance broker to modify casualty and homeowner insurance as necessary.
• Locate securities and contact security broker to arrange (if necessary) retitling of
securities.
• Have executor adjust ownership of any insurance policies on the lives of others owned
by the deceased.
• Have executor retitle real estate that was owned by the deceased.
