Family Checklist

Checklist of Things To Do 

The loss of a loved one is stressful in every sense of the word. In the midst of processing your own grief, you also need to make arrangements and gather documentation to settle financial affairs. To help keep you on track, we’ve created a checklist of things you may need to do. 

  • Locate the deceased’s will and deliver it to a probate attorney for filing with the proper court. 

    • Deliver to the attorney a list of assets to be included in the probate estate and liabilities.
  • Keep accurate records of all receipts to and disbursements from the probate estate. Establish an estate checking account to deposit probate assets and pay final bills, such as medical bills.
    • Do not distribute any probate assets without court approval.
  • Change over bank accounts and remove the deceased’s name.
    • Contact financial institutions where the deceased had a loan. They will inform you if the loan was covered by credit life and what needs to be done to file appropriate claim.
  • Gather all the bills, even credit cards, to make you aware of all the credit obligations of the deceased. Many installment loans and service contracts can be covered by credit life insurance, which pays off the account balance upon death of the customer.
    • Contact sources of retirement funds and pension plans that the deceased was receiving and apply for benefits that are due.
  • Change utilities and remove the deceased’s name. Change the phone book listing to show you first initial and last name to avert prank call.
    • Settle life insurance claims and contact health insurance companies to stop coverage on the deceased. Revise your own insurance needs.
  • Income tax returns will need to be filed for the year of death.
    • Change the deed on property, which is usually done in the county where the property is located.
  • Change the title on vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles. 

    • Contact Social Security and the Veterans Administration to file for any benefits.

Important Numbers 

Department of Veterans Affairs – 1-800-827-1000    www.va.gov

Social Security (We Notify Social Security) – 1-800-772-1213     www.ssa.gov

Medicare – 1-800-633-4227     www.medicare.gov

Medicaid – 1-877-267-2323     www.cms.hhh.gove/medicaid

Polk County Probate – 1-863-534-4478    www.polkcountyclerk.net

Polk Tax Collector – 1-863-534-4700    www.polktaxes.com