Dealing with the loss of a loved one.

We're very sorry for your loss. Dealing with the death of a loved one is incredibly challenging, and there are several important steps to take during this difficult time. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to do following the death of a parent, including handling their property and possessions:

Immediate Steps.

1. Notify Family and Friends:

- Contact close family members and friends to inform them of the death.

2. Contact a Funeral Home:

- Arrange for the body to be transported to a funeral home.

- Discuss funeral and memorial service arrangements.

3. Obtain Death Certificates:

- Request multiple copies of the death certificate from the funeral home or the local health department. These will be needed for various legal and financial processes.

Legal and Administrative Tasks

4. Notify Relevant Institutions:

- Inform your parent's employer (if applicable).

- Notify social security, insurance companies, banks, and other financial institutions.

- Contact the deceased's attorney, if they had one.

5. Secure the Deceased’s Property:

- Ensure that their home and other property are secured and protected.

6. Locate the Will and Estate Documents:

- Find the will and any other estate planning documents. These are usually kept with the deceased's attorney, in a safe deposit box, or at home in a safe place.

7. Probate the Will:

- File the will with the local probate court to start the probate process. This may require the assistance of an attorney.

- The court will appoint an executor (if one is not named in the will) to handle the estate.

8. Notify Creditors and Close Accounts:

- Inform creditors of the death and settle any outstanding debts.

- Close bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts.

Handling Property and Possessions

9. Inventory Assets and Liabilities:

- Make a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (property, bank accounts, investments) and liabilities (loans, credit card debt).

10. Distribute Assets According to the Will:

- Follow the instructions in the will for distributing property and possessions.

- If there is no will, assets will be distributed according to state intestacy laws.

11. Appraise and Sell Property (if necessary):

- Have valuable items appraised to determine their worth.

- Sell property that needs to be liquidated. Consult with a real estate agent if selling a home.

12. Handle Personal Belongings:

- Sort through personal belongings. This can be emotionally challenging, so take your time and ask for help from family or friends if needed.

- Distribute personal items to family members as outlined in the will or by mutual agreement.

13. Address Digital Assets:

- Close email accounts and social media profiles.

- Access and manage digital assets such as online financial accounts, subscriptions, and stored data.

Final Steps

14. File Final Tax Returns:

- File the deceased’s final income tax return.

- If the estate is large, you may need to file an estate tax return.

15. Consult with Professionals:

- Work with an estate attorney and a financial advisor to ensure all legal and financial matters are handled correctly.

16. Grief Support:

- Consider seeking support from grief counselors or support groups to help cope with the loss.

Taking these steps can help you manage the legal and administrative tasks during this difficult time and ensure that your parent's property and possessions are handled appropriately.