Who to Call and What to Do After a Family Member’s Death

Losing a family member is an emotionally challenging time, made even more difficult by the need to handle various legal and financial matters. Knowing what steps to take, who to contact, and how to manage important documents can help ease the burden during this stressful period. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these tasks and understand how My Banyan can support you along the way.

Who to Talk To When a Family Member Dies

When a loved one passes away, it’s crucial to notify the right people and organizations promptly. Here’s who you need to contact:

-      Medical Professionals: If your loved one was in a hospital or under hospice care, the attending physician or hospice worker will officially declare the death. If the death occurs at home and is unexpected, you should contact emergency services.

-      Funeral Home: The funeral home will help you with arrangements and guide you through the process of obtaining a death certificate, which is essential for many of the steps that follow.

-      Family Members and Close Friends: Inform close family members and friends as soon as possible. They can provide emotional support and assist with arrangements.

-      Legal Advisors: Contact the deceased’s attorney to begin managing their estate, including reading the will and addressing any legal matters.

-      Financial Institutions: Notify the deceased’s banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. This helps prevent accounts from being frozen prematurely.

Where to Find Information on What to Do

Each state has different laws and procedures for handling the affairs of a deceased person. Here are some steps you can take to find the necessary information:

-      State Government Websites: Most states have a section on their official websites dedicated to what to do when someone dies, including legal requirements and probate information.

-      County Clerk or Recorder’s Office: For more localized information, contact the county clerk or recorder’s office where the deceased lived. They can provide guidance on obtaining death certificates and filing necessary documents.

-      Legal Professionals: An estate attorney familiar with state laws can offer specific advice and help navigate the probate process.

Which Papers Are Important and How to Get Them

Certain documents are critical for managing a deceased person’s affairs. These include:

-      Death Certificate: You’ll need multiple certified copies of the death certificate to handle legal and financial matters. The funeral home typically helps you obtain these.

-      Will and Trust Documents: These outline the deceased’s wishes regarding their estate. If you can’t find the originals, contact the attorney who prepared them.

-      Financial Statements: Bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investment statements are necessary for managing assets. Contact the relevant financial institutions if you need copies.

-      Insurance Policies: Life insurance policies are vital for filing claims. Contact the insurance company directly if you cannot locate the policy.

Preventing Bank Account Freezes

One common issue after a death is the freezing of bank accounts, which can complicate access to funds needed for immediate expenses. Here’s how to avoid this:

-      Joint Accounts: If possible, have at least one account set up as a joint account. The surviving joint account holder will have continued access to the funds.

-      Authorized Users: Ensure that someone trusted is listed as an authorized user on key accounts. They can continue to manage the account without it being frozen.

-      Communication with the Bank: Notify the bank of the death, but do so with the help of an attorney to ensure accounts aren’t unnecessarily frozen. Providing a copy of the death certificate and relevant legal documents, like a will or trust, will be essential.

Who to Notify and Timeframes

It’s important to notify certain people and institutions within specific timeframes:

-      Social Security Administration: Notify them within the first week after the death. If the deceased was receiving benefits, these payments must be stopped immediately.

-      Employer: If the deceased was employed, contact their employer to inform them and discuss any outstanding pay, benefits, or life insurance policies.

-      Credit Bureaus: Contact credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to place a death notice on the deceased’s credit report, which helps prevent identity theft.

-      Utility Companies and Service Providers: Notify them to close or transfer accounts as needed.

Avoiding Probate

Probate can be a lengthy and expensive process. Here are ways to minimize or avoid it:

-      Revocable Living Trust: Setting up a living trust allows assets to be transferred directly to beneficiaries without going through probate.

-      Beneficiary Designations: Ensure all accounts with payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations are up to date. These accounts bypass probate.

-      Joint Ownership: Property owned jointly with rights of survivorship automatically passes to the surviving owner, avoiding probate.

How My Banyan Can Help

My Banyan offers a comprehensive solution for managing and storing important documents, making it easier for families to access the necessary information when a loved one passes away:

-      Secure Digital Storage: Upload and securely store all vital documents, including wills, trusts, insurance policies, and financial statements, in one place.

-      Password Management: Safely store and organize usernames and passwords for all online accounts. This ensures that your loved ones can access critical accounts without delay.

-      Easy Sharing: Grant access to trusted family members or legal advisors so they can easily find what they need without unnecessary stress.

-      Organization and Peace of Mind: My Banyan helps you organize all important information in a way that’s easily accessible, giving you and your family peace of mind during a difficult time.

The loss of a loved one is never easy, but being prepared with the right knowledge and tools can make a significant difference. By understanding the steps to take, the documents you need, and how to manage these efficiently, you can navigate this challenging time more smoothly. My Banyan is here to support you, providing a secure platform to store and access all the critical information needed to honor your loved one’s wishes and protect their legacy.