What to Do After the Death of a Loved One: A Comprehensive Guide
In times of loss, navigating practical matters can feel overwhelming. At Rilus Law, we understand the complexities of handling affairs after the death of a loved one. To support you during this challenging time, we've compiled a detailed "Death of a Loved One Checklist" and "Digital Account Guide." Whether you're seeking guidance on probate and estate administration or managing digital assets, we're here to assist you every step of the way.
Seek Advice or Ask for Help
During this challenging time, it's essential to remember that you don't have to navigate the process alone. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the practical tasks ahead or seeking guidance on legal matters, know that support is available. At Rilus Law, our team of compassionate professionals can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, we offer a wealth of resources on our website and YouTube channel, accessible at any time. And during business hours, we're just a phone call away, ready to assist you with kindness and expertise. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and we're here to support you through this difficult time.
What to Do When a Loved One Dies Checklist
Navigating the aftermath of losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of life's most challenging experiences. Amidst the profound grief and sorrow, the practical tasks that accompany such a loss can feel burdensome. It's perfectly natural to feel a sense of disorientation and emotional fatigue during this time. This checklist is designed to provide a structured approach to handling the administrative aspects of loss, offering a gentle guide through the necessary but often difficult tasks.
Take each step at your own pace, and don't hesitate to lean on the support of loved ones or seek professional assistance when needed. Your well-being is paramount, and taking care of yourself emotionally is just as important as attending to these practical matters.
If you would like to download a printable checklist for when someone dies, click here.
1. Immediate Actions
Inform family, friends, and clergy (if applicable).
Choose a funeral home to arrange funeral and memorial services.
Notify the deceased's employer and any relevant organizations.
2. Official Notifications
Contact relevant government agencies, including the Social Security Administration about social security benefits.
If applicable, inform the Department of Veterans Affairs for burial and memorial benefits.
Place an obituary in local newspapers (if desired).
3. Document Gathering
Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate (enough for each place they had an account).
Collect important financial documents and estate planning documents (wills, trusts).
4. Financial Matters
Secure and make an inventory of the deceased's assets.
Notify banks, financial institutions, credit card companies, credit bureaus, and insurance providers (including health insurance, car insurance, and life insurance companies).
Re-title jointly owned assets and review any business or partnership agreements.
5. Digital Account Management
Secure digital devices (computers, smartphones).
Handle online banking, digital wallets, and investment accounts.
Preserve personal digital content stored online or in cloud services.
For social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn): Decide on memorializing or closing accounts as per platform policies.
Manage email accounts and online subscriptions.
See the Digital Account Guide below for more details.
What to Do After the Death of a Loved One: Digital Account Guide
Because we live in a digital age with more and more of our bills, financial accounts, and even our most precious memories existing primarily in digital form, managing online assets after the loss of a loved one has become increasingly vital. At Rilus Law, we've been pioneering Digital Asset Trusts since Arizona's legal landscape first allowed for it in 2016. If the person who passed was a client of ours, it's crucial to examine any Digital Asset Trusts they may have established, as these could contain detailed instructions for handling their digital accounts.
Why is it important to manage your loved one’s digital accounts? While preserving cherished memories stored within these accounts is undoubtedly crucial, there's another significant aspect to consider. By actively managing these accounts, you also mitigate the risk of potential security breaches and safeguard against the compromise of personal information. Furthermore, memorializing social media accounts can prevent unauthorized access or alterations, ensuring the integrity of your loved one's digital legacy while respecting their privacy and online presence.
This guide is designed to provide practical insights for navigating these accounts, ensuring compliance with each platform and any directives outlined within your loved one’s Digital Asset Trust.
Digital Asset Trust Consultation: Before taking any action, check the Trust for instructions regarding the Facebook account.
Memorializing the Account: If no specific directive is provided, you may request to memorialize the account, creating a dedicated space for friends and family to share memories.
Account Removal: For account deletion, Facebook requires the submission of the necessary documentation by family members.
Trust Reference: First, refer to the Trust to understand the deceased's wishes for their Instagram account.
Memorialization: Instagram offers the option to memorialize accounts, preserving the user's memory.
Account Removal: Immediate family can request the account's deletion by providing proof of death and their relationship to the deceased.
Apple iCloud
Consulting the Trust: Check the Trust for any specific instructions for Apple iCloud accounts and devices.
Access and Closure: Obtaining access to or closing an Apple iCloud account may necessitate a court order.
Google Accounts (Gmail, Google Drive, etc.)
Instructions in the Trust: Check the Trust for any guidelines on managing Google accounts.
Inactive Account Manager: Utilize this feature if the deceased set it up, following the instructions provided.
Account Management: Google permits family members to request the closure or retrieval of account data.
X / Twitter
Guidance from the Trust: Look for any instructions on handling the Twitter account within the Trust.
Account Deactivation: Twitter requires authorized individuals to submit a deactivation request accompanied by the necessary documentation.
Following Trust Instructions: Check the Trust for any specific directions regarding the LinkedIn account.
Closing or Memorializing the Account: Requests for account closure or memorialization can be made to LinkedIn by providing proof of the user's death.
Rilus Law is Here to Guide You Through this Loss
As we reach the end of this guide, please know that our door at Rilus Law is always open to you. The "Death of a Loved One Checklist" and "Digital Account Guide" were crafted with the deepest care to support you during these trying times. Should you need further assistance or seek additional resources, remember that our website and YouTube channel are accessible at all hours. And during business hours, our dedicated team is only a phone call away, prepared to assist you with kindness and expertise as you honor the memory of your loved one.