What Should I Do After a Loved One Dies?

After a loved one’s death, the last thing you want to deal with is the paperwork associated with the event, such as arranging funeral services, closing bills, dealing with bank accounts, and more. Amidst all the grief and emotional turmoil, it is essential not to forget these exasperating yet necessary responsibilities. Knowing what steps to take will move the logistics forward and allow you to focus on processing your loved one’s death. With the help of our legal team at Busch, Reed, Jones & Leeper, P.C., you can rest assured we will lessen the strain of this situation as much as we can.

Ignoring the legalities of death is disastrous. Avoid the consequences of doing so by taking the following steps as soon as you can:

• Call 911 for the body to be examined by medical professionals if the death occurred outside of a hospital or hospice center
• Prepare arrangements according to any instructions left behind by your loved one, such as the funeral or burial arrangements
• Inform family and friends
• Contact the Social Security Administration
• File a will or trust
• File a final income tax return
• Review financial paperwork, including retirement benefits, life insurance, loans, etc.

This can be overwhelming, especially in the throes of grief. Our estate planning lawyers will handle the technical aspects you don’t want to face, including real estate matters, annuities, outstanding accounts and liabilities, etc.