After a Loved One Dies: The Paperwork Checklist

When someone dies, they leave behind more than grief — they leave accounts, policies, subscriptions, titles and benefits that all have to be found, notified and closed or transferred. This checklist shows the main areas to address. Transference LLC in Orange, Connecticut exists to do this work for families.

In the first days

Notify family, close friends and the person’s employer
Make funeral or cremation arrangements
Order certified death certificates (you will need several)
Secure the home, vehicles and incoming mail.

In the first weeks

Notify Social Security and, if applicable, Medicare and the VA
Notify banks, credit card companies and brokerage firms
Notify life, home, auto and personal property insurers
Contact the employer about final pay and benefits
Cancel or transfer utilities, memberships and subscriptions
Notify the credit bureaus
Locate the will, insurance policies, account statements and titles.

Settling the estate

Probate paperwork and court deadlines
An estate tax ID and an estate bank account
Transferring accounts out of the deceased person’s name
Vehicle titles and registrations
Paper stock certificates and transfer-agent accounts
Final bills, outstanding loans and account closures.

How Transference helps

Transference handles the notifications, forms, phone calls and follow-up above for newly appointed executors and families — across Connecticut, New England and the New York / New Jersey / Connecticut tri-state area. Start with a free consultation; you receive a written proposal with exact scope and cost within 48 hours, priced by the number of account statements involved, with no hidden fees.

Common questions

How many death certificates should I order? — More than most people expect; banks, insurers and agencies often each require one. We help you work out the number based on the accounts involved.

I don’t know where to begin. — That is the most common thing we hear. Call for a free consultation and we will build the list with you.

Related help

Call Ed Knight directly at 203-623-6083. Transference provides administrative support, not legal or tax advice.