Prepare now, or do it after the fact

Contact the insurance company for all life
insurance policies. You will need to provide the
policy number and a certified copy of the death
certificate and fill out a claim form. If the
deceased is listed as the beneficiary on any other
policy, arrange to have the name removed.


If the deceased was working, contact the
employer for information on pension plans,
credit unions and union death benefits. You will
need a certified copy of the death certificate for
each claim.


Return credit cards of the deceased with a
certified copy of the death certificate, or notify the
credit card company if you, as the survivor, want
to retain use of the card.


Seek the advice of an accountant or tax
advisor about filing the deceased's tax return for
the year of the death. Keep monthly bank
statements on all individual and joint accounts
that show the account balance on the day of
death, since you will need this information for the
estate tax return.


Arrange to change any joint bank accounts
into your name. If the deceased's estate is in
trust, check with the Trust Department or
Customer Service at the bank.


Arrange to change stocks and bonds into
your name . Your bank or stockbroker will have
the forms.


Make sure that important bills , such as
mortgage payments, continue to be paid.


Documents you may need to complete the
tasks:
Death Certificates (10 - 15 certified copies)
Social Security Card
Marriage Certificate
Birth Certificate
Birth Certificate for each child, if applicable
Page 2 of 3 After death occurs checklist
2/26/2010 http://www.endoflifecommission.org/end_pages/guide_checklist.htm