If you’ve recently had the misfortune to lose a spouse then there are a few things that you’ll need to do. We’re about to show you 18 important tasks that you’ll need to do straight after losing a loved one.
Obtain the Legal Pronouncement of Death
First and foremost, you must obtain an official declaration of death from a qualified professional. This is likely to be a doctor or nurse, particularly if the death occurs at a hospital or nursing home. Make sure all the necessary forms are filled out to officially document the cause, time, and place of the death.
Notify Close Family and Friends
Another one of the very first things you’ll need to do after the death of a spouse is notify anybody close to them who doesn’t already know, a difficult but important task. This could be their family members and close friends, as these people deserve to know as soon as possible.
Engage a Funeral Director
Make sure to get the funeral arranged as soon as possible. The Federal Trade Commission tells us that there are certain rules that need to be followed with funerals, so you may need some help in adhering to these as well.
Secure the Property and Personal Effects
If you don’t live with your spouse then check that their property is thoroughly locked as it may be a while before the home is inhabited again, which could make it an easy target for thiefs. You should safeguard any valuable items they might own outside of their home.
Access Important Documents
It’s always best to locate any essential documents (such as the will, life insurance policies, bank statements, and deeds) early so that you don’t have to worry about them later on. The documents will be important for filing claims, transferring assets, and more.
Notify Employers and Cancel Services
If your spouse was employed, the next thing to do is contact their employer for details on their pending salaries or any death benefits they may be due. As well as this, speak to their utility companies and cancel their Netflix subscription, their phone contact, their broadband, and any other subscriptions they have.
Consult with Financial and Legal Professionals
It’s going to be hard work to go through this whole process without financial and legal professionals. They might be crucial in helping out with something you don’t know how to do or spotting something in the process that you might have otherwise missed.
Check Eligibility for Benefits
The surviving partner might be able to receive a number of financial benefits from the government, according to the Social Security Administration. Make the most of any options available to you, as the money could be very important to you and your spouse’s friends and family. Also, update any joint accounts or benefits you shared with them.
Protect the Deceased’s Identity
Identity theft of the deceased is a very real crime. That’s why it’s key to protect your spouse’s identity as soon as possible after they die. The best way to do this is to report their death to major credit reporting agencies and to review their credit reports from time to time for anything irregular.
Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service
Next up, it’s time to plan the actual funeral or memorial service if this is something you want to do, or that your spouse wished for. Keep in mind that there’s no obligation to arrange a grand funeral at a church, though. You could keep things personal and take their ashes to their favorite place in nature.
Update Estate and Financial Plans
This one is not something that needs to be done immediately, but you will have to review and possibly update your own will and estate plans due to the change in circumstances. Your spouse’s death may have had an impact on your retirement plans and it’s important to work out how to go forwards.
Distribute Personal Belongings
Take a look at your spouse’s will, if they have written one so that you can distribute their possessions to the right people. If they didn’t write a will, it’s best to speak to a lawyer about your next options, as you may still be able to distribute some of their things.
Publish a Death Notice or Obituary
You may wish to write and submit an obituary for your spouse to post in local newspapers and online memorial websites. This is a nice way to let the people of your local community know of their passing, so they can reflect and mourn in their own ways.
Close or Transfer Social Media Accounts
Midland Daily News tells us that we need to go directly to the website of the social media accounts to be able to get them closed or transferred. Each social media site will have its own process for this, but their support teams will be able to guide you through it.
Secure the Financial Future for Dependent Children
If your spouse has children then it’s very important to think about them as soon as possible. To do this, you’ll need to review and adjust life insurance plans and trusts, as well as saving plans that may be in place. A financial advisor would be a good person to talk to and get advice from in these situations.
Deal with Outstanding Debts and Taxes
It is best to try and balance the accounts of your deceased spouse as soon as possible after their passing. The IRS says that they can assist you with any outstanding debts of a spouse that you don’t think you’re going to be able to pay in time before they’re due.
Reassess Living Arrangements
If you lived with your spouse, now is the time to decide whether you’re going to continue to live in the home or if the emotional impact is going to be too much. You may also save money by selling the home and downsizing into a home that’s just for you.
Create a Memory Book or Online Tribute
Here’s something a little more sentimental to round things off that we think is a good idea. Why not gather some photos and stories of your loved one to share with their friends and families? It will be a touching way to remember them and to bring you all closer together.
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