1. Obtain certified copies of the Death Certificate
At your arrangement conference Snodgrass Funeral Home will help you determine the number of copies you’ll need. Additional copies can be obtained by contacting us. You will need to provide information including social security number, parent’s names (including mother’s maiden name), birthplace, military service and work history.

2. Probate Estate
After receiving the certified copies of the death certificate, whether there is a will or not, the estate must be filed within the county of residence. This is done at the fiduciary’s office, usually located in your county courthouse.

3. Change all utilities from the deceased’s name
It is a good idea to use only your first initial and last name when listing your name in the phone book. This will help avoid any unwanted solicitations and calls. Many, if not all, of your utility accounts should be placed in a joint account with another family member to help in processing future estate transactions.

4. Contact all health insurance companies
You will need to notify them of the death and request that coverage be stopped for the deceased. Be sure to ask about any forms that may be required.

5. Contact life insurance companies
The insurance company or companies will require a certified copy of the Death Certificate and a copy of the Insurance Policy. You (or the beneficiary) will be required to complete and sign a claim form, which will be provided by the insurance company after it has been notified of the death. Should you need assistance completing the form, please contact us; we will be glad to help. You will also want to change any other insurance policies in which the deceased was named as a beneficiary. Generally, the owner of the policy must contact the insurance company to request a Change of Beneficiary Form. This form must be completed and returned to the insurance company that issued the policy. The company will return a rider, which is attached to the policy to reflect the changes made. If you have a local insurance agent, you should contact him/her for assistance.

6. Contact the deceased’s former employers
You will want to contact the personnel, human resources, union or pension fund office of each company at which the deceased was employed for a significant length of time. You will need to notify the company of the death. You should inquire about any benefits, such as insurance, pensions or other death benefits, for which you or the deceased’s estate may be entitled, if any. You may be required to submit copies of the Death Certificate or other forms to receive these benefits, if such are available. Your attorney, accountant or financial advisor may provide assistance with such matters.

7. Notify banking institutions
You will need to notify each banking institution at which the deceased had an account of the death. Each bank may require a certified copy of the death certificate. On any outstanding loans, you will want to check to see if life insurance coverage was carried on the loan or note. If so, your banker will advise and assist you with these details. You will also want to remove the deceased’s name from all joint accounts (checking, savings, safety deposit boxes, etc.) and any other items that your banker recommends). You will need to sign a new signature card for these accounts. This is good practice for your protection, because without such someone could make a fraudulent attempt to remove funds from those accounts by signing the deceased’s name. If these accounts were held jointly, you may decide to maintain the joint account status by placing the name of a family member or a trusted friend on the account with you. Again, this is for your protection; should you become unable to access these accounts the other person could do so for you.

8. Call the Social Security Administration
Social Security benefits include a one-time benefit of $225.00 to the surviving spouse or dependent children. Check with your funeral director to determine what claims may have already been filed for you.

9. Contact your attorney
The attorney will need certified copies of the Death Certificate and the deceased’s Will. Your attorney will advise you as to any other documentation needed.

10. Notify all credit card companies
You will want to cancel all cards and credit accounts held individually by the deceased. Destroy such cards by cutting them; the credit company will instruct you whether to return the card to them or to simply discard it. You will also want to have the deceased’s name removed from all jointly held cards or accounts. This is for your protection, so as to avoid fraud or theft. On any accounts for which credit life insurance was purchased or provided, you should apply to receive the insurance or payoff benefits for which you are eligible.

11. Notify your accountant, financial advisor, stockbroker and tax preparer
These financial professionals will advise you as to the number of copies of the Death Certificate and any other documentation that they need to process or transact any business on your behalf for the deceased’s accounts, assets, liabilities or other matters of business. Keep extra copies of the Death Certificate to send with your tax returns. You may need to file a final return for the deceased, or estate income tax returns, if the estate itself generates any income. Refer to your accountant or tax preparer for guidance in these areas.

12. Call the Veteran’s Administration (if deceased served in military)
Claim forms can be completed at the Veteran’s Administration Office, the funeral home or Veterans Service Commission. Contact your funeral director to see if this form has already been filed for you.

13. Mail “Thank You” cards
Thank-you cards or notes should be sent to people who sent flowers or food, as well as those who were helpful in your time of need. Be sure to also send notes or card to people who made donations in remembrance of the deceased.

14. Notify fraternal organizations of which deceased was a member
If these organizations provide any death benefits, you may be required to send a certified copy of the Death Certificate.

15. Review your own insurance needs
Often, your needs change after the death of a spouse, family member or other loved one. You will want to contact your agent to schedule a review meeting. In addition, we recommend that you assemble a good, thorough organization of your own insurance information to help your survivors at such time as this information is needed.