What to do when someone dies

Obtain the death certificate

Request at least 10–12 certified copies from the funeral home or county vital records office. Banks, courts, and agencies each require an original.

Notify close family and friends

Let immediate family know first. Gather a list of contacts the deceased would have wanted informed.

Secure the property

If the deceased lived alone, change the locks or have a trusted person stay at the home. Collect mail and valuables.

Locate the will and any trust documents

Check a home safe, bank safe-deposit box, or attorney's office. The original will must be filed with the probate court if there is no trust.

Contact the funeral home

Arrange disposition of remains per the deceased's wishes. Check the will or any pre-paid funeral contract for instructions.

Open probate (if required)

File the will with the probate court in the county where the deceased lived. Most states require this within 30–60 days. If assets passed through a trust, you may skip probate entirely.

Notify government agencies

Social Security Administration (stop benefit payments), Medicare, Veterans Affairs (if applicable). Overpayments must be returned.

Notify financial institutions

Contact each bank, investment firm, and retirement account custodian. Provide a death certificate. Ask about beneficiary-designation accounts, which pass outside the estate.

Cancel or transfer subscriptions and accounts

Credit cards, utilities, insurance, streaming services, email, and social media. Freeze credit to prevent fraud.

Notify employer and pension administrator

Final paycheck, outstanding expenses, and any group life insurance or pension benefits.

Identify and inventory all assets

Real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, vehicles, business interests, digital accounts, and personal property. A schedule of assets from their estate plan is invaluable here.

Identify debts

Collect all bills, mortgage statements, credit card statements, and outstanding loans. Do not pay debts before consulting an attorney; some may not be enforceable against the estate.

Open an estate bank account

Use it for all estate income and payments. You'll need letters testamentary (or letters of administration) from the probate court to open it.

Publish a creditor notice

Many states require publishing a notice to creditors in a local newspaper. This starts the clock on the creditor claim period (usually 2–6 months).

File final individual income-tax return

File a final Form 1040 for the year of death (due April 15 of the following year, or request an extension). You may also need to file a Form 1041 for the estate's income.

Evaluate estate-tax exposure

Federal estate tax applies to estates over $13.6 million (2024). Many states have lower thresholds (e.g., Illinois: $4 million). Consult a CPA or estate attorney.

Manage estate assets

Continue paying the mortgage, utilities, and insurance on real estate. Notify investment custodians of the death to prevent auto-trading complications.

Fund the trust (if applicable)

If the deceased had a revocable living trust, ensure all assets are properly titled to the trust or distributed to the successor trustee.

Communicate with beneficiaries

Keep heirs informed about the process and expected timeline. You have a fiduciary duty to act in their interest.

Pay valid debts and taxes

After the creditor claim period closes and taxes are settled, pay valid debts from estate funds. Keep records of every payment.

Distribute the estate

Transfer assets to beneficiaries according to the will or trust. Personal property may require appraisals. Real estate requires a deed recorded with the county.

Transfer or sell real estate

Prepare a deed conveying the property to the beneficiary or buyer. Record it with the county recorder. Title insurance protects the new owner.

File the final estate-tax return (if required)

Form 706 (federal estate tax return) is due 9 months after death, with a 6-month extension available.

Prepare a final accounting

Document all income received, expenses paid, and distributions made. Beneficiaries are entitled to this accounting. Some courts require it for formal probate.

Close the estate

File a petition to close the estate with the probate court (if probate was opened). Obtain a court order discharging you as executor.

Close the estate bank account

Once all distributions are made, transfer any remaining balance to beneficiaries and close the account.