This is a list of documents you will probably need or want to have when your spouse has passed away. I know it feels so overwhelming- especially all of this paperwork, but you can do this! If he/she has already passed, do this one step at a time- or if someone asks what they can help you with- HERE IT IS!
-Death Certificate: Get multiple certified copies of the death certificate. You can get them from your City Clerk’s office, Vital Statistics office or your funeral home. They are about $10 – $20 each. If you order more at that time you will receive a discount. I believe I ordered 20 and had plenty. I still need them once in a while for passports, loans, etc.
-Will or trust: If you don’t have an attorney, and if the deceased had a will you need to take the original to the court and file a probate petition. If no will has been done, the court can issue letters of administration to the next of kin with a death certificate.
-Insurance Policies: If there was life insurance purchased, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. In most cases, you will have the money within a month.
-Other insurance: Check on these for benefits- homeowners, business, health, disability, auto, your bank, etc.
-Social security number for deceased and children
-Marriage and birth certificates
-Deeds and titles to property
-Leases
-Automobile titles and registration papers
-Checking and savings accounts.
-Safety deposit box
-CD’s
-Credit card statements
-Unpaid bills
-Investments: Mutual Funds, IRA, 401(k), pensions
-Mortgage statement
-Loans
-Recent tax and W-2 forms
-Documentation of business ownership or interest.
-Check locally to see what legal filings must be made- title insurance, home ownership. Also, check other states in which the property is owned.
