what to do when a spouse dies checklist pdf

Handling the Deceased’s Body

Arrange for the transportation and care of your spouse’s body, ensuring it is handled with dignity. Consider their wishes regarding burial, cremation, or donation.

• If death occurred at home, call 911 or hospice for assistance.
• Transport the body to a funeral home or morgue.
• Decide between burial, cremation, or organ donation.
• Verify any prearranged plans in the will or estate documents.
• Coordinate with a funeral director for preparation and services.

Managing Funeral Costs

Plan and manage funeral expenses to honor your spouse while staying within budget. Compare costs, pre-arranged plans, and seek financial support if eligible.

• Review any pre-planned funeral arrangements or insurance policies.
• Compare funeral home prices and services to find affordable options.
• Set a budget and prioritize spending based on your spouse’s wishes.
• Check for government or veterans’ benefits to help cover expenses.
• Ask family or friends for financial contributions if needed.

Legal and Probate Procedures

Navigate the legal process, including probate, understanding the will, and managing estate administration with the executor to fulfill legal obligations.

Probate Process

The probate process involves legally validating the will and managing the estate. File an inventory of assets with the court and ensure debts are settled before distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.

• Hire an appraiser for property valuation if needed.
• Work with the executor to oversee estate administration.
• Probate ensures assets are distributed according to the will.

Understanding the Will

Locate and review the will to identify the executor and beneficiaries. Ensure you understand the deceased’s wishes and how assets are to be distributed. If no will exists, the estate will be divided according to state intestacy laws. The executor, named in the will, oversees the distribution process. Consult an estate attorney if the will is contested or unclear. Ensure all assets, such as property and financial accounts, are accounted for and distributed as specified.

• Check for a letter of instruction or funeral plans.
• Determine if probate is required based on estate size.
• Seek legal advice if disputes arise.

Estate Administration

Estate administration involves managing and distributing the deceased’s assets according to the will or state laws. The executor, named in the will, oversees this process. Key steps include inventorying all assets, paying debts, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. If no will exists, the estate is divided per intestacy laws. Consult an estate attorney for complex cases. Ensure all legal and financial obligations are met before closing the estate.

• Inventory and appraise all assets, including property and accounts.
• Pay outstanding debts and taxes from the estate funds.
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries as directed.

Financial Considerations

Notify banks, life insurance companies, and financial institutions. Manage shared accounts, cancel subscriptions, and handle debts. Ensure timely notifications to avoid penalties or service disruptions.

• Notify banks and financial institutions about the death.
• File life insurance claims and review benefits.
• Cancel recurring subscriptions and manage shared accounts.

Notifying Banks and Financial Institutions

Notify banks and financial institutions promptly to secure accounts and transfer ownership. Provide a death certificate to update records and manage joint accounts. Cancel unnecessary services.

• Contact banks, credit card companies, and investment firms.
• Provide a death certificate for account updates.
• Transfer joint accounts to your name.
• Cancel automatic payments and subscriptions.

Life Insurance and Benefits

Contact life insurance companies to file claims and review policies. Submit a death certificate to initiate payouts and secure benefits. Check for additional coverage or workplace benefits.

• Review life insurance policies for payout details.
• Contact providers to submit claims with a death certificate.
• Check for employer-provided life insurance benefits.
• Inquire about Social Security survivor benefits.
• Organize records and track benefit disbursements.

Social Security and Tax Notifications

Notify the Social Security Administration of your spouse’s death to apply for survivor benefits. File a final tax return and report the death to the IRS. Ensure all tax obligations are met.

• Report the death to the Social Security Administration promptly.
• Apply for survivor benefits if eligible.
• File the deceased’s final tax return accurately.
• Notify the IRS and state tax authorities.
• Ensure all tax filings are complete and up-to-date.

Personal and Household Arrangements

Secure property, arrange pet care, and manage mail to prevent identity theft. Ensure all personal and household matters are addressed promptly.

• Lock the deceased’s home and secure valuables.
• Arrange for pet care or rehousing.
• Forward mail or stop delivery;
• Notify neighbors to watch the property.

Securing Property and Pets

Ensure the deceased’s property is secure to prevent burglary. Arrange for pet care, either temporarily or permanently, and manage mail delivery to avoid identity theft.

• Lock all doors, windows, and secure valuables like jewelry or important documents.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to monitor the property during funeral arrangements.
• Arrange for pets to stay with relatives or board at a kennel until permanent plans are made.
• Forward mail or suspend delivery to prevent it from piling up and signaling an empty home.

Managing Mail and Subscriptions

Managing mail and subscriptions is crucial to prevent identity theft and financial issues. Forward or suspend mail delivery and cancel unnecessary subscriptions.

• Request mail forwarding to your address or a trusted person to handle the deceased’s affairs.
• Cancel subscriptions, such as streaming services, memberships, and deliveries, to avoid unnecessary charges.
• Notify creditors and service providers of the death to stop unauthorized use of accounts.
• Review the deceased’s mail for important documents, bills, or financial information.
• Stop newspaper or magazine deliveries to avoid drawing attention to an empty home.

Government Notifications

Notify Social Security, update records, and notify the DMV to cancel the deceased’s license. Submit the passport for cancellation to prevent identity theft.

Updating Social Security Administration

Immediately report the death to the Social Security Administration to stop payments to the deceased and apply for survivor benefits if eligible. Provide the death certificate and discuss any changes to your benefits. Ensure records are updated to reflect the passing and prevent identity theft. Notify SSA promptly to avoid overpayments and facilitate necessary adjustments to your benefits. This step is crucial for maintaining accurate government records and ensuring continuity of benefits. Proper notification helps in managing financial matters smoothly.

Notifying the Department of Motor Vehicles

Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to cancel the deceased’s driver’s license and registration. Submit a death certificate to update records and prevent identity theft. This step ensures the deceased’s name is removed from DMV records, stopping unauthorized use of their license. You may need to return the driver’s license or provide proof of death. Check with your state’s DMV for specific requirements. This helps protect their identity and updates government records accurately.