Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences. On top of grief, families face dozens of administrative tasks they've never done before. This comprehensive checklist breaks down everything you need to do into manageable steps.
Immediate Tasks (First 24-48 Hours)
The first few days are overwhelming, but some tasks can't wait:
1. Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of Death
If your loved one died at home, call 911 or their doctor. A medical professional must officially pronounce the death.
2. Contact a Funeral Home
Even if you're planning cremation, a funeral home handles transportation and paperwork. They'll guide you through immediate decisions.
3. Notify Immediate Family
Before posting on social media, make sure close family members hear the news directly from you.
4. Secure the Home and Valuables
If the deceased lived alone, secure their property. Remove any valuables if the home will be empty.
5. Care for Dependents and Pets
Arrange immediate care for any children, elderly dependents, or pets.
6. Obtain Death Certificates
You'll need 10-15 certified copies. The funeral home can help obtain these. You'll need them for:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Employers and pension plans
First Week Tasks
7. Locate Important Documents
Find the will, trust documents, and any pre-planned funeral arrangements.
8. Notify the Employer
If the deceased was employed, notify their workplace about final paychecks, benefits, and life insurance.
9. Contact Social Security
Report the death to SSA. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.
10. Notify Banks and Credit Card Companies
Prevent fraud by notifying financial institutions promptly.
Financial Tasks
11-19. Close or Transfer Accounts
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Investment accounts
- Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
- Mortgage companies
- Utility providers
- Insurance policies
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Outstanding loans
Government Notifications
20-26. Agency Notifications
- Social Security Administration
- Medicare/Medicaid
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Voter registration office
- Passport office
- Veterans Affairs (if applicable)
- IRS (file final tax return)
Insurance Claims
27-32. File Claims
- Life insurance
- Health insurance (final bills)
- Auto insurance
- Homeowner's insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Employer-provided insurance
Property and Legal
33-40. Property Tasks
- Secure real estate
- Transfer vehicle titles
- Cancel or transfer leases
- Manage business interests
- Transfer investment properties
- Handle safe deposit boxes
- Distribute personal property
- Sell or donate belongings
Legal Process
41-50. Probate and Legal
- File will with probate court
- Apply for Letters Testamentary
- Notify creditors
- Pay valid debts
- Handle contested claims
- File estate tax returns
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File final accounting
- Close probate case
- Dissolve trusts if applicable
Digital Estate
51-55. Online Presence
- Email accounts
- Social media profiles
- Online banking
- Subscription services
- Cloud storage and photos
Ongoing Tasks
56-67. Long-term Management
- Monitor mail for 12 months
- File final tax returns
- Handle any tax audits
- Maintain records for 7 years
- Anniversary tasks and memorials
How Settled Can Help
Managing 67+ tasks across multiple categories is overwhelming. Settled organizes everything into a clear checklist, provides letter templates for each notification, and tracks deadlines automatically.
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