What to do after someone dies
In the first days, someone has to legally pronounce the death. In a hospital or under hospice care, staff do this; after an unexpected death at home, call 911. Then choose a funeral home, which collects the body, files the death certificate and orders certified copies for you. Most families need several copies, one for each bank, insurer and agency. Look for a will and any written funeral wishes before you plan the service.
In the weeks after, make sure Social Security knows: give the funeral director the person's Social Security number and they report the death. Then tell the employer, banks and insurers, and file any life insurance claims. The executor named in the will works out with the probate court whether the estate needs probate. Someone also files a final federal income tax return for the year of the death.
Read the full checklist on DeathUS
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