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.