Survivor's Checklist: What to do When a Loved One Passes Away

March 2, 2022

Survivor's Checklist: What to do When a Loved One Passes Away

Funeral of a Loved One When someone dies there are many important things that need to be addressed by the survivor or survivors, and some of those things that need to be addressed are time sensitive.

This can be an overwhelming process for the survivor(s). In an effort to provide guidance to those survivor(s), estate planning attorney Jonathan "Jay" David has prepared a "Survivor's Checklist" of the important things that need to be addressed when a spouse or loved one dies.

The checklist addresses things that should be done immediately including:

Determining if decedent left any instructions regarding funeral or burial arrangements
Notifying friends and family
Preparing the decedent's obituary

And things that should be done after the funeral (so long as the funeral isn't delayed) including:

Locating names and contact information of decedent's professional advisors
Canceling home services no longer needed such as internet, cable, trash pick-up, etc.
Locating the decedent's important papers such as: life insurance policies, bank statements, and legal documents such as a will
Obtaining copies of the Death Certificate

Click on the Survivor's Checklist link below to review the full checklist.

Although the following list is comprehensive, it is not meant to be exhaustive, and it is recommended that the spouse, the survivor(s), and/or any other person who has legal authority to act on behalf of the decedent, consult with an attorney and/or other appropriate advisors to help them through this process.

Categories: Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney, VA Aid & Attendance

Jonathan J. David Shareholder

Grand Rapids

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Survivor's Checklist

Due to the shock of the death of a spouse or a loved one, the steps of what needs to be done first can be an overwhelming process for the survivor(s). To aid in the breakdown and to act as a tool amidst the emotional days ahead, estate planning Jonathan "Jay" David has assembled a "Survivor's Checklist" of some of the important things that need to be addressed when a spouse or loved one dies.

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