The loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience. Amid the grief, it can feel overwhelming to think about the practical steps that need to be taken. While the emotional toll is heavy, certain tasks must be addressed to ensure that the estate is managed properly and that the legal and financial matters are settled. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some practical steps to help you navigate this challenging time and achieve the best outcomes possible.

One of the first and most important steps to take after a loved one passes away is to order multiple copies of the death certificate. This document is essential for settling the estate, closing accounts, and handling many other administrative tasks.
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​The easiest way to obtain death certificates is through the funeral home or cremation society handling your loved one’s arrangements. They can order the certificates directly from the local vital statistics office, and the turnaround is often quicker than if you were to order them as a member of the general public. It’s important to order enough copies upfront, as original death certificates are not always returned after submission to financial institutions or other places where you might be making death notices or collecting your loved one’s assets. We recommend ordering at least 10 death certificates to ensure you have enough to handle all necessary tasks.

After securing the death certificates, the next step is to keep a close eye on the deceased's mail and email. This is crucial for identifying any ongoing bills, subscriptions, and automatic payments that may be draining the estate. Here’s how to approach this:
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Identify Unnecessary Expenses: Look for things like subscriptions, cable services, phone bills, and other non-essential expenses. These can be turned off using the death certificate as proof. Contact each service provider to cancel these services and stop any further payments.

Keep Essential Services Active: While it’s important to stop unnecessary expenses, you’ll also want to ensure that essential services remain active. These might include utilities (water, electricity, gas), mortgage payments, and insurance policies. Make sure these bills are redirected to the person handling the estate, either by mail or email, so they don’t go unpaid.

During this process, you may encounter some difficulties with service providers asking you to prove your authority to act on behalf of the estate. Do what you can with the resources you have, but understand that some companies may require further documentation or court authorization before they will fully cooperate.

Once you’ve managed the immediate financial obligations, it’s time to start identifying the assets your loved one left behind. This will help in understanding the full scope of the estate and determining what steps need to be taken next.

Check Real Property Ownership: One of the first places to start is with any real property your loved one may have owned. This can include homes, land, or other real estate. You can search the county land records to see if your loved one’s name is attached to any properties. This information is important for determining the value of the estate and for handling the transfer of ownership.

Review Retirement Accounts and Pensions: If your loved one was employed, either currently or in the past, it’s a good idea to contact their previous employer to inquire about any retirement accounts, pensions, or other benefits they may have been entitled to. Employers often have records of 401(k) plans, pensions, and other retirement benefits, which may be passed on to beneficiaries.

Check for Life Insurance Policies: Another important step is to check with any insurance providers your loved one used. If they had a homeowner’s or auto insurance policy, there’s a possibility that they also had a life insurance policy with the same provider. Contact the insurance company to see if a life insurance policy existed and, if so, to start the claims process.

Handling Beneficiary-Designated Assets: For any assets that have designated beneficiaries, such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or payable-on-death bank accounts, the process of transferring these assets is typically straightforward. The company or entity managing the asset will typically send out packets to the beneficiaries notifying them of their right to collect, which will include forms that need to be filled out to collect the assets.

Dealing with Non-Beneficiary Designated Assets: If your loved one had assets that are not beneficiary-designated (such as certain bank accounts, personal property, or real estate), you may need to go through a court proceeding to collect and distribute these assets. This is typically done through a probate process, which is the legal process for distributing a deceased person’s estate. As a reference point, probate is required in Minnesota when there are assets with no beneficiary designations totaling $75,000 or more or if there is real property with no joint owner or beneficiary.

While these steps provide a general roadmap for handling the affairs of a loved one who has passed away, it’s important to recognize that every situation is unique. There may be additional steps required depending on the complexity of the estate, the location of assets, or specific legal requirements in your county.

Because estate administration can be complex and emotionally taxing, it’s often beneficial to seek professional guidance. A probate attorney can help ensure that all necessary steps are taken, that the estate is handled properly, and that you avoid any legal pitfalls that could arise during the process.

At Legacy Estate Planning, we’re here to assist you during this difficult time. Whether you need help navigating the probate process, managing estate assets, or addressing any legal questions that arise, we’re only a phone call away. Click the link below to book a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, and let us help you through this challenging period: Book A Call

Or check out this quick video on YouTube to learn more:  Check Out the Video

This article is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized legal assistance, please contact our office directly.

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By following these steps and seeking the appropriate help, you can navigate the aftermath of a loved one’s passing with confidence and care, ensuring that their estate is handled with the respect and attention it deserves.
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