If you’ve recently lost a loved one or been appointed as a Personal Representative of a loved one’s estate, your grief and the tasks ahead can be overwhelming. It’s important to take care of yourself during this emotional time. Here’s a checklist of crucial details to help you handle the “business” end of things and make the trip to an attorney’s office easier. Some of these tasks have deadlines, so reach out sooner rather than later.
Immediate Actions
- Secure Personal Property: Protect the deceased’s vehicle, home, business, and other assets.
- Notify the Post Office: Redirect their mail to your address.
- Get Copies of the Death Certificate: You’ll need them for various tasks.
- Notify Social Security: Inform them about the death immediately to avoid overpayments and legal issues.
- Handle Medicare Details.
- Contact the Employer: Find out about benefits and final pay.
- Manage Insurance: Stop unnecessary health insurance and notify relevant insurance companies. Terminate any policies after officially taking over the estate.
- Cancel Identifications: Cancel the deceased’s driver’s license, passport, voter’s registration, and club memberships.
- Close Online Accounts: Close email and social media accounts. Shut down any websites.
- Contact Your CPA.
What NOT To Do After a Loved One Dies
- Handling the estate improperly can lead to significant problems. Here are things you should avoid and should consult with an attorney before handling any of the items below:
- Do Not Tell the Bank Right Away or Close Accounts Prematurely: Wait until you understand the estate fully.
- Do Not Notify Utility Companies: Avoid having services shut off;
- Do Not Give Away or Promise Items or Sell Personal Assets
- Do Not Drive Their Vehicles: Insurance may not cover you after their death.
- Do Not Let Others Move Into Their House.
- Do Not Let Homeowner’s Insurance Lapse: Ensure the house remains insured.
- Do Not Neglect Digital Assets: Manage online accounts, social media profiles, and digital currencies.
- Do Not Forget to Notify Creditors: Prevent further charges by informing creditors of the death.
- Do Not Overlook Pets: Ensure pets are cared for according to the estate plan.
- Do Not Neglect Filing for Life Insurance or Death Benefits: File for any life insurance or death benefits.
- Do Not Forget About Personal Notifications: Notify friends, family, and acquaintances about the death.
Preparing for Probate
- Depending on the circumstances, probate may be necessary. Gather the following:
- Will and Trust: Ensure you have the original or a good copy.
- List of Bills and Debts: Compile all outstanding bills and debts.
- Professional Advisors: List financial advisors, insurance agents, and other professional advisors.
- Surviving Family Members: Create a list of family members with their contact information.
My final “DO NOT”
Do Not Delay Handling Things: Consult an attorney within 1-2 months to develop a plan. Gather important documents like estate plans, life insurance, bank statements, and bills. A qualified attorney will help you manage the estate efficiently, saving you time, money, and stress. As always, my firm and I are here to help you through this difficult time.
Andrea L. Jakob, PA is located at 12401 Orange Drive, Suite 219 in Davie.
They can be reached at 954-862-1479 or on the at www.jakoblegal.com.
