What to do after a loved one passes

First and foremost, it is ok to grieve. Take time to remember your loved one and comfort your family.

Now that you've had time to reflect, if you've been appointed an executor of a loved one's estate, or a successor trustee, your to-do list will encompass many things, including tasks ranging from planning the funeral, coordinating relatives coming in from out of town and (eventually) meeting with a trust administration or probate lawyer – which can be quite overwhelming. Step back and take a deep breath.

To help you with the “business” end of things, here’s a quick checklist of crucial details that will make the trip to our office to handle the legal affairs easier. I know it can be difficult, but some of these things have a deadline, so make sure that you reach out sooner rather than later:

• Secure the deceased's personal property (vehicle, home, business, etc.).

• Notify the post office.

• If the deceased wrote an ethical will, share that with the appropriate parties in a venue set aside for the occasion. You may even want to print it and make copies for some individuals.

• Get copies of the death certificate. You'll need them for some upcoming tasks.

• Notify the Social Security office.

• Take care of any Medicare details that need attention.

• Contact the deceased's employer to find out about benefits dispensation.

• Stop health insurance and notify relevant insurance companies. Terminate any policies no longer necessary. You may need to wait to actually cancel the policies until after you’ve “formally” taken over the estate, but you can often get the necessary paperwork started before that time.

• Get ready to meet with a qualified probate and trust administration attorney. Depending on the circumstances, a probate may be necessary. Even if a probate is not needed, there is work that needs to be done to administer the trust properly. Here’s what you need to gather:

1. The deceased’s will and trust. If the original of the deceased’s will or trust can’t be located, contact us as soon as possible and bring any copies you do have.

2. A list of the deceased’s bills and debts. It’s often easier to bring the statements or the actual credit cards into the office rather than try to write out a list, but do whatever is easiest for you.

3. A list of the deceased’s financial advisors, insurance agent, tax professional, and other professional advisors.

4. A list of the deceased’s surviving family members, including their contact information when available. Even if they’re not named in the trust or will, the attorney will need to know about everyone in the family.

• Cancel your loved one's driver's license, passport, voter's registration, and club memberships.

• Close out email and social media accounts, and shut down websites no longer needed. Depending on circumstances, to take these steps, you may need to wait until you’ve “formally” taken over the estate, but you can often learn the procedures and be ready to take action.

• Contact your tax preparer.

You may be thinking about handling all the paperwork yourself. It’s a tempting thought – why not keep things as simple as possible? – but a “DIY” approach to this process might cost you and your family dearly. Seek the advice of an attorney, which can bring direction and clarity to the situation. You may use them in a limited capacity, but there are often traps in the legal process, especially if probate is necessary.

Reach out to me when the time comes and I will provide you with direction on what needs to occur. Making the process as easy as possible is my main goal. The burden of losing your loved one will put undue stress on you, mentally an physically. Seek out help when you need it - I'm here to help guide you.