Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions > Steps to Take When Someone Dies (13 entries)

My loved one just died. What should I do?

This is a concern for everyone. Immediately after a death there seems to be so much to do. It seems overwhelming, but it need not be.
What's the first thing I should do?

The first thing to focus on of course is the funeral. It must be planned and paid for, or at least a plan needs to be made for payment. ...
Whom should I contact? Should I contact his/her employer?

You should tell the employer and find out if there are any death benefits connected with his or her employment. Talk to the human services or personnel department if there ...
Do I have to find the will right away?

You should look for the deceased's will, which probably says "Last Will and Testament" at the top. If it is not easily found, consider telephoning the office of the deceased’s ...
What should I do with the will when I find it?

When you find the will, you should consider making an appointment with an attorney who is qualified and experienced in probate law. Even with a well-drafted will there are options ...
Do I have to probate the will?

Whether or not you need to probate depends on the nature of the assets and how they are titled (in whose name are they held). Your attorney can help answer ...
How long do I have to probate the will?

In general, the will must be submitted for probate within four years of the date of death. If more than four years have elapsed since the date of death, it ...
What documents will the attorney want to see?

The attorney will need to have the original will, and a certified copy of the death certificate. If you are anxious to begin the probate process and the death certificate ...
Do I still have access to joint accounts even before I probate the Will?

In most cases, the bank or brokerage firm will allow a co-signer on accounts to access funds after the death of one of the co-signers. However, not all accounts with ...
I know that my loved one did not have a will. What do I do to settle his/her estate?

What needs to be done will depend on the nature of the assets. Sometimes a full court procedure, called a "Determination of Heirship," is necessary. In other cases, a ...
How long does it take to settle an estate?

It can take as little as two weeks to have a will admitted to probate. After that it is a matter of collecting the assets, paying the debts and distributing ...
Creditors are calling me regarding my loved one's accounts. What do I tell them?

Tell them your loved one is dead and that they will need to wait until an administrator or executor is appointed. Do not agree to anything or sign anything with ...
My loved one told me he/she had a life insurance policy of which I am the beneficiary. How do I go about collecting the life insurance proceeds?

You should locate the policy, determine that you are the named beneficiary and then call the insurance company and request a claim form. The company will help you if you ...