When someone dies, the announcement of his/her death often creates a “paralysis” among family members and close friends who then rally around those affected by the death.
Seldom are their thoughts directed towards what should be done next in order to finalize the decedent’s affairs.
In case you’re involved in a situation like I just described or anticipate the death of someone close to you, I have created a checklist to follow to get loved ones, family members and estate representatives through this tough time.
This checklist is very general. It doesn’t go into all the details that may have to be completed. If the process seems overwhelming: don’t panic. I’m here for you together with our paralegals and co-attorneys who have decades of experience. We can handle everything or just a few steps depending on your needs.
Click here to download and print the checklist: Checklist of Things to Do When a Person Dies
Checklist of Things to Do When You are Named as the Executor or Estate Administrator
Place an “X” in the left column when item has been completed
| Notify immediate family and close friends of the death | |
| Evaluate the emotional impact on the surviving spouse, children and close relatives and friends; arrange for support | |
| Deal with donation of bodily organs to an “organ bank”, as appropriate | |
| Arrange care for dependents, especially minor children, if any | |
| Arrange care for pets, if any | |
| Evaluate the need for security at decedent’s residence | |
| Cancel or rearrange home deliveries | |
| Have post office hold mail | |
| Find perishable property (food, plants, etc.), arrange for care or disposal | |
| Find and review decedent’s expressed funeral and burial wishes, often found in a Last Will or safe deposit box | |
| Notify agent under any power of attorney of the death to stop using the power of attorney | |
| Prepare and arrange for obituary | |
| Arrange for mortuary, cemetery, burial, cremation, as appropriate | |
| Arrange funeral/burial services | |
| Notify other members of family and friends of the arrangements | |
| Keep records of all payments for funeral and other expenses | |
| Locate safe deposit box(es) | |
| Locate Will, Codicils, Trusts | |
| Locate life insurance policies | |
| Locate other important documents, relationships, accounts, investments, etc. | |
| Advise Social Security and other benefit agencies as appropriate | |
| Investigate Social Security benefits | |
| Investigate life insurance | |
| Investigate union death benefits | |
| Investigate veteran’s burial allowance and other benefits | |
| Investigate fraternal organizations for any death benefits (i.e. Knights of Columbus) | |
| Investigate employee benefits, including accrued vacation pay, death benefits, final wages, retirement plans, deferred compensation, medical reimbursements | |
| Investigate refunds on insurance or canceled subscriptions | |
| Investigate Keogh and IRA accounts | |
| Investigate business, partnership and investment arrangements | |
| Retain and meet with attorney regarding estate matters | |
| Retain and meet with CPA regarding tax and accounting matters | |
| Meet with life insurance agent to collect proceeds or consider options | |
| Obtain death certificates (ask attorney how many are needed) | |
| Deal with fire, theft, liability and auto insurance on decedent’s property | |
| Work with attorney and CPA to prepare inventory, list of accounts and list of debts | |
| Review credit cards and charge accounts, cancel as appropriate | |
| DO NOT pay any of decedent’s debts until attorney discusses with family or executor | |
| Obtain valuations of assets, as appropriate | |
| If Trust is involved, arrange for any allocations and transfers | |
| Consult with attorney about distribution, probate and non-probate assets to beneficiaries | |
| File required tax waivers to secure release from New Jersey Estate Lien(s) | |
| Secure release of liability to beneficiaries through Accounting(s) and/or discharges | |
| Arrange for final income tax return and estate tax return, as necessary |
Fredrick P. Niemann Esq.
I hope this checklist helps. Like I said earlier, it’s not an exhaustive list but it’s a good start. If you need some help or advice addressing this checklist or want to speak with a knowledgeable New Jersey estate administration attorney who can work with you, please call me at toll-free (855) 376-5291 or e-mail me at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com to set up an office consultation at your convenience. It’s my pleasure to be of assistance.
Written by New Jersey Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer, Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq.