It’s never easy when you lose someone close to you. And, to make matters worse, in the midst of your grief you must deal with piles of paperwork, arrangements and legal issues. We’ve put together a checklist that will help you navigate the things you need to consider following a death of a loved one:

1. Check your loved one’s Advance Health Care Directive for any special requests regarding the arrangements.

2. Choose a funeral home and contact clergy if applicable.

3. Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate.

4. Obtain belongings and valuables from the hospital, if a stay was involved.

5. Decide on an obituary and/or public death notice.

6. Gather all important family documents including, a will, trust, advance health care directive, durable power of attorney, records of assets, birth certificate, social security number, insurance policies, recent income tax returns, etc.

7. Notify all of the following that are applicable of your loved one’s death: the Employment Benefits Office, Medicare, Social Security Office, their life insurance company, and all other financial institutions.

8. Take steps to close out all social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Yelp), email accounts and other digital assets (photos, blogs, etc).

9. Make an appointment with your estate planning attorney to review and update any applicable documents and discuss potential death taxes payable. It’s important to begin the process immediately in the event that taxes are owed. If applicable, be sure to update a new decision-maker and/or beneficiary.

Managing the death of a loved one is, understandably, a difficult process. If you have questions or need any help, please give us a call. We’d love to help any way we can.

Glendale Location

616 E. Glenoaks Boulevard, Suite 203

Glendale, CA 91207

Sherman Oaks Location

15303 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 900

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403