Preparation Checklist

Preparation Checklist: What to do after a loved one dies

This can be a very overwhelming and emotional time. It is a good idea to read the checklist in order to understand the practical steps of the post-death process. Generally, you will need a certified copy of the death certificate for each major asset, such as life insurance policies, 401ks, pensions, veterans' survivor benefits, annuities, stocks, and bonds. Certified copies may also be needed to remove your loved one's name from the deed of the property, such as a house or land. Photocopies may be made for bank accounts, credit cards, utility companies, and the DMV.


Social Security

The funeral home notifies Social Security of the death. You do not need to call or send in a death certificate. If you are a surviving spouse, you are entitled to a Surviving Spouse's Benefit. You must call the SSA to receive it. You have two years to claim it.


A document of the following checklist will be available to print HERE.


  1. Obtain copies of death certificates.
  2. If necessary, meet with the decedent's attorney or a probate attorney of your choosing.
  3. If necessary, obtain letters of testamentary for the executor, issued by the court that proves the authority to administer the provisions of the deceased's will.
  4. Check the contents of any home safes and/or safe deposit boxes.
  5. Compile a list of insurance policies and their beneficiaries; contact the insurance companies to report the death and request claim paperwork. Ask if they require a certified copy of the death certificate.
  6. Inventory intangible financial assets such as stocks, bonds, bank accounts, IRAS, CDs, cash, mortgages, notes, pensions, annuities, and 401Ks; reach out to the decedent's financial planner, accountant, and banks.
  7. Complete claim paperwork for all necessary institutions and send them the required documents including death certificates and signed claim forms.
  8. Inventory tangible real estate property and locate all real estate deeds, mortgages, leases, and tax information.
  9. Inventory and secure personal items such as vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, motorcycles, furniture, fine jewelry, art, and personal contents of the home(s).
  10. Locate military records, as appropriate. Note: DD214 is required to bury at a National Cemetery. The funeral home can assist you with the process including contacting National Scheduling to establish a case number.
  11. Locate recent income tax returns.
  12. File for Social Security benefits, as appropriate. If you are a surviving spouse, you are entitled to a Surviving Spouse's Benefit. You have two years to claim it.
  13. File for veteran's burial/survivor benefits, fraternal, union, association, and employer benefits, as appropriate.
  14. Open an estate bank account to hold money that is owed to the deceased, such as real estate rental checks and stock dividends.
  15. Log in to banking apps and other accounts to cancel auto-pay billing.
  16. Notify banks of the death and change information for any jointly held accounts. Transfer ownership or close accounts, as appropriate.
  17. Notify stockbrokers of the death and transfer ownership of jointly or solely owned stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
  18. Contact credit card companies to close/cancel all individually held cards of the deceased. Remove the deceased name from joint accounts.
  19. Notify creditors of the death; Examine and approve or reject claims of creditors and make payments, as appropriate.
  20. Sell or transfer the title for the deceased's vehicles and other assets (boats, RVs, motorcycles, etc) as necessary.
  21. Pass real estate and other assets owned in joint tenancy to the surviving joint tenant.
  22. Transfer bank accounts and securities registered in "payable on death" form to beneficiaries.
  23. Transfer funds in IRAs and retirement plans to named beneficiaries.
  24. Redeem/re-title government bonds, either by the beneficiary or estate administrator.
  25. If the decedent had his/her own business, arrange for management or sale of the business.
  26. If the decedent was an artist, author, musician, composer, or other creative person, arrange for the continued management of royalties and ongoing sales.
  27. Establish management of rental properties, both in- and out-of-state, as appropriate.
  28. Terminate leases and outstanding contracts on behalf of the deceased.
  29. Pay continuing expenses, such as mortgage payments, utility bills, and homeowner's insurance premiums, until a property is sold or re-titled.
  30. Notify the accountant or tax preparer that a final tax return will need to be prepared for the deceased. Prepare and file an estate tax return for estate taxes or any state inheritance return, if necessary. Determine whether the estate qualifies for "special use valuation" under the tax laws (IRC § 2032A), deferral of estate taxes (IRC §§ 6161 or 6166), etc.
  31. Pay any federal or state taxes that may be due.
  32. Keep detailed records of all receipts and disbursements made on behalf of the estate, including attorneys' fees and executor's fees.
  33. Keep detailed records of time spent and activities conducted on behalf of the estate during the administration of the estate.
  34. When debts and taxes have been paid and all the property distributed to the beneficiaries, the estate may be formally closed by the probate court.
  35. Take a deep breath. Give yourself some time to decompress and rest.