10 Things to Do After a Loved One Passes Away

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and the emotional toll can be overwhelming. In addition to grieving, there are many practical tasks that must be taken care of in the days and weeks following their death. These can seem daunting, especially when you're coping with grief, but having a clear checklist of things to do can help you manage the necessary steps.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the 10 most important things to do after a loved one passes away. From notifying family members to handling legal and financial responsibilities, this guide is designed to help you navigate through a challenging time with clarity and organization.

 1. Notify Close Family and Friends

One of the first things you'll need to do after a loved one passes is to inform those closest to them. Start by notifying immediate family members—spouse, children, siblings, and close friends. You may also need to let the family’s wider social circle know, including colleagues, neighbors, or any other key people who were part of the deceased’s life.

- Important Consideration: Some people may need to travel to attend the funeral or memorial service, so it’s essential to share the news as soon as possible.

 2. Contact a Funeral Home or Cremation Service

Once the immediate family has been notified, you’ll need to contact a funeral home or cremation service to make arrangements for the deceased’s body. Many funeral homes offer packages that include burial, cremation, and transportation of the body. If your loved one had prearranged funeral plans, this step will be easier, as the funeral home can follow the pre-arranged instructions.

- Tip: If your loved one had specific wishes regarding burial or cremation, share these with the funeral home right away.

 3. Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of Death

To begin handling any legal matters related to the estate, you’ll need an official pronouncement of death. If your loved one passed away in a hospital, a doctor will provide this. If they passed away at home, you’ll need to contact a medical professional (usually a coroner or medical examiner) to certify the death. 

This document is necessary for taking the next steps, including accessing bank accounts, notifying government agencies, and managing the deceased’s estate.

 4. Make Final Arrangements and Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service

Planning the funeral or memorial service is an important and personal step. This process includes:

- Deciding on burial or cremation preferences

- Choosing a funeral service or memorial ceremony format

- Selecting a location for the service (church, funeral home, graveside, etc.)

- Writing an obituary or arranging for one to be published in local newspapers or online

It’s important to respect the wishes of the deceased, if known, and to consider any family traditions. Make sure to coordinate with other family members and involve them in decisions, as they may have input on the service.

 5. Locate Important Documents

There are several important documents you will need to locate and review. These documents help you manage the deceased’s estate, pay debts, and fulfill any last wishes. Key documents to gather include:

- Will (if applicable)

- Trust documents (if applicable)

- Life insurance policies

- Bank account information

- Social Security card

- Military records (if applicable)

- Property deeds

- Tax returns for the past few years

If you’re unsure where to find these documents, check their personal files, safe deposit boxes, or online accounts (if accessible).

 6. Notify Social Security and Other Government Agencies

After a loved one passes away, you must notify several government agencies, especially if they were receiving benefits like Social Security or veterans' benefits. Important agencies to contact include:

- Social Security Administration (SSA): This helps stop any ongoing Social Security payments and allows survivors to inquire about survivor benefits.

- Veterans Affairs (if applicable): If your loved one was a veteran, there may be death benefits or burial allowances you need to claim.

- IRS: The IRS will need to be notified for tax purposes, including filing final returns. If they were self-employed, there may be additional filings required.

Some of these tasks can be done online or over the phone, while others may require you to visit an office in person. Be prepared for paperwork and wait times.

 7. Secure Property and Assets

It’s crucial to secure any assets and property that belong to your loved one, including:

- Real estate (homes, rental properties)

- Vehicles (cars, boats, RVs)

- Valuable personal property (jewelry, artwork, electronics)

Lock up homes, close up businesses, and make sure personal property is safeguarded from theft or damage. If the deceased had a safe deposit box, make sure to gather the key and access it as soon as possible.

 8. Cancel or Transfer Accounts and Subscriptions

You’ll need to cancel or transfer various accounts, subscriptions, and services that your loved one had, including:

- Credit cards

- Bank accounts

- Utility accounts (electricity, water, gas, etc.)

- Subscriptions (magazines, online services, etc.)

- Insurance policies

If the deceased had any recurring payments (like memberships, streaming services, or gym memberships), cancel them as well to avoid unnecessary charges. For some accounts, you may need to provide a death certificate and proof of your role as the executor or administrator of the estate. Consult with one of our Certified Probate Experts for advice on which accounts to close right away and which to keep open until probate is complete.

 9. Contact a Certified Probate Expert

Navigating the probate process can be complicated, especially if the estate is large or involves complex assets. It’s wise to consult with an expert on probate and estate administration to ensure everything is handled according to the law. These experts can help with:

- Probate proceedings: The legal process of administering the estate.

- Validating the will: Ensuring the deceased’s wishes are honored.

- Resolving disputes: Addressing any disagreements between family members or beneficiaries.

A Certified Probate Expert at Probate Care can help guide you through estate complexities and provide peace of mind during a stressful time.

 10. Take Care of Yourself and Your Family

Lastly, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your family during this time. Grieving is a personal process, and everyone experiences it differently. Here are some tips for self-care:

- Allow yourself to grieve: Give yourself time to process your emotions and don’t rush the grieving process.

- Reach out for support: Talk to friends, family members, or a counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

- Delegate tasks: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from trusted family members or friends in handling some of the practical tasks.

- Stay organized: Keep a detailed record of all tasks, calls, and documents as you manage the estate and legal affairs.

It’s easy to get lost in the logistics, but remember that your emotional well-being is just as important as everything else.

 Final Thoughts

While there is no easy way to navigate the loss of a loved one, breaking the process into manageable steps can help reduce the stress of managing affairs during an emotional time. By following this checklist and taking things one step at a time, you can ensure that the necessary tasks are completed, while also taking time to honor and remember your loved one.

If you ever feel uncertain or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to consult with us at Probate Care at 503-389-0510 or email us at info@probatecarenow.com. We can guide you through the process and offer solutions to help ease the burden. Above all, remember to lean on loved ones for support, and be kind to yourself as you go through this difficult time.