Checklist for Handling the Death of a Spouse

By Rodney Brooks, 8/28/2020

After a loved one dies, their affairs need to be set in order. You might find yourself planning a funeral, paying bills and closing accounts. The list of things you need to do after someone dies can seem endless, especially during a time when you are also grieving.

Here's what to do when a spouse dies:

  • Get organized.

  • Take inventory.

  • Identify the executor.

  • Get a death certificate.

  • Contact your professional advisors.

  • Take a step back.

  • Don't make major decisions for a year.

  • Make sure your spouse's last wishes are carried out.

Take Inventory

You will need to look at your spouse's will and estate plan. "Gather the documents you will need," Anspach says. "If your spouse handled all finances it will be overwhelming figuring out which bills they pay from which accounts. If it is all online, that can make it more challenging to track things down, figure out passwords, and find out how to access those accounts." A tax return can be a good way to locate various types of financial assets.

Contact Your Professional Advisors

You will need to inform various professionals that your spouse has passed away. "Notify the different professionals in your life, your CPA, attorney, financial advisor and maybe your banker, if you have one," Brown says. "Those three or four contacts will probably know 90% of what's going on." You will also need to report the death to the Social Security Administration.

Take a Step Back

Take the time to process your emotions and grieve with other family members. "Make sure the loved ones remaining are OK," says David Curry, principal and co-founder of East Paces Group in Atlanta, who recently lost his mother. "The family dynamics, when you go through that, they totally change. That emotional baggage is kind of tough."

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Emily Johnson