WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU LOSE A LOVED ONE
Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences a person faces during their life. In addition to managing your own grieving process, you may also need to support family members and address the responsibilities related to the estate left behind. These tasks can feel overwhelming, but this guide offers a roadmap to help you navigate the necessary steps. It outlines the actions to take after a loved one’s passing, in a logical sequence, and highlights additional considerations.
Initial Arrangements
- Inform Family and Friends
The support of your community is invaluable during this time. Not only can they offer emotional support, but they can also assist with various arrangements. Notify friends and family through phone calls, text messages, letters, or social media to ensure they are informed of the passing. - Make Funeral Arrangements
Start by determining whether your loved one made any prearranged funeral plans. If they did, contact the funeral home to initiate the process. If no such arrangements exist, check for any written instructions they may have left regarding burial or cremation preferences. A funeral home can guide you through this process, whether plans were prearranged or not. - Care for Children and Animals
If your loved one left behind any dependents without a guardian, contact an attorney immediately. Legal assistance may be required to obtain guardianship or conservatorship for their care. Similarly, if your loved one owned any pets, make arrangements with a trusted animal lover to ensure their safety and well-being. This period of transition can be confusing for children, dependents, and animals alike. Providing them with proper emotional and practical support is crucial.
Gather Relevant Documents
- Estate Planning Documents
Many individuals create a Will, Trust, or other estate plan to govern the distribution of their assets after death. Locating these documents is essential, as they will dictate how the estate is handled. If you cannot find the documents but suspect your loved one executed an estate plan, reach out to their attorney. It is possible that the law firm retained copies. Be prepared to provide proof of death, as attorneys are required to maintain confidentiality and may need verification before releasing any documents. - Death Certificate
A death certificate is an official document issued by the state that includes key details such as the deceased’s full name, date of birth, date and place of death. This document is required to close accounts, transfer assets, and, if necessary, begin probate proceedings. Keep multiple copies of the death certificate in a secure place, as some institutions may request original copies.
Determine Estate Assets
Next, you should identify the assets your loved one owned, whether individually, jointly with another person, or within a trust. These may include assets with transfer-on-death designations or beneficiary provisions. Below is a list of common assets to consider:
- Bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, brokerage accounts, long-term care insurance, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, Social Security benefits, personal property, etc.
Additionally, it is important to cancel any ongoing bills and licenses. This may include:
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, phone, water, trash, etc.), driver’s licenses, passports, email accounts, voter registration, credit cards, and other debts.
Contact Professionals for Distribution Assistance
- An Attorney
Once you have compiled a list of assets, verified how they are titled, obtained the death certificate, and gathered any estate planning documents, reach out to an attorney licensed in the state where your loved one resided. An attorney can provide guidance on how to distribute assets from a trust, file the decedent’s Will with the court, and initiate probate if no estate plan was in place. They will ensure that you navigate the legal aspects of asset distribution properly. - A CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
After determining how to proceed with asset distribution, check if your loved one worked with a CPA during their lifetime. If they did, contact the CPA for assistance. If not, seek a trusted professional. A CPA can help identify estate assets, assist with income and estate tax matters, file necessary tax returns, and explain any tax liabilities.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one can be a life-altering event. The responsibilities that follow may seem overwhelming, but it is important to approach the process with care and patience. Take the time to grieve and manage the burial process before focusing on legal and financial matters. Lean on your community for emotional support and reach out to professionals who can help manage the estate. With the right guidance, you can make this challenging time more manageable.
Written by Madison J. Pfalzgraf