What to Do After a Funeral

Now that the funeral is over, it’s time to start closing out the deceased’s end-of-life affairs. You feel honored to have been entrusted with such a big undertaking, but also recognize it is unfamiliar territory and that you need some direction. Many people are often left wondering what to do after a funeral is over.

So, where do you start? In what order must things be done? Who do you need to get in touch with? If these are the types of questions running through your mind, I have good news! This article will walk you through what should be taken care of in the days, weeks, and potentially, months that lie ahead.

Before diving right in, I’d like to offer a bit of caring advice. No matter what your designated role may be, do not lose sight of the fact that you are still coping with a loss. Be mindful of your own needs and devote some time to self-care.

Now let’s get started.

Phase 1: Tend to the Deceased’s Personal Property

One of the first priorities after a funeral is ensuring the deceased’s residence is secure and in good order. It’s also important to deter burglars by leaving a couple lights on at night and keeping a window or two uncovered. If some of the other more involved tasks start to become daunting, consider asking family members or friends for their assistance.

• Lock all entrances and windows to the deceased’s home as well as any other personal property. Consider changing locks. Remove valuables, safes, and cash.
• Request that a neighbor keeps an eye on the house and lets you know of any suspicious activity.
• Make certain vehicles are locked and protected from the elements.
• Dispose of perishable food items and remove garbage from the house. Launder towels, linens, and clothing as needed.
• Inspect the home for maintenance issues needing immediate attention and arrange for lawn care.
• Forward mail to yourself or a family member.
• Find permanent homes for pets.

Phase 2: Start the Process of Administering the Estate

*Please note that completing many of the tasks listed in Phases II thru V will require a copy of the death certificate.

This phase is made up of items that should be taken care so the process gets headed in the right direction. You will he handling several diverse responsibilities and should be prepared to make multiple phone calls, send a few emails, and more than likely, fill out some paperwork. Several critical decisions will also be made during this time frame.

• Locate and read the will in full. Contact any co-executors and personal representatives identified in the testament.
• Make beneficiaries and heirs aware that you will be administering the estate.
• Determine if probate is necessary based upon state regulations as well as other factors including complexity of the estate and value of assets. Be aware that probate is mandated if there is not a will.
• Decide if a trusts and estates attorney is needed to interpret the will. Bear in mind that a lawyer can be retained regardless of whether or not probate is used.
• Apply for a new Tax ID number, also known as an employer id number or EIN, for the estate from the IRS. This must be done because the estate is a taxable entity and separate entity from the deceased.
• Notify banks, mortgage companies, and other financial institutions and brokers of the death. Transfer funds into new accounts titled in the estate’s name.

Phase 3: Take Care of Immediate Financial Matters

The majority of your time will be spent tending to the matters spelled out below. This phase will be more manageable if each item is addressed individually. Along similar lines, taking thorough notes will minimize the chance of any oversights.

• Inventory the deceased’s assets and document their estimated monetary value.
• Compile a list of outstanding and upcoming bills. Cancel credit cards, unneeded services, and subscriptions at this time.
• Maintain a record of statements and receipts from all bills and claims. It is recommended to keep them for a period of 7 to 10 years.
• Make sure the funeral home contacted the Social Security Administration (SSA) to stop check distribution and to inquire about possible benefits for family members. The SSA will inform Medicaid of the death.
• Locate account numbers and make claims on life insurance policies. Terminate unnecessary policies and request unused premiums be credited to the estate.
• If the deceased was still working, 401K plans that have yet to be distributed need to be withdrawn and distributed. A 401K can be cashed out or rolled over to a retirement fund.
• Contact prior employer(s) to see if the deceased had any occupational pensions or other job-related benefits.
• Arrange for an accountant to prepare a tax return for the deceased and for the estate.

Phase 4: Tend to Outstanding Miscellaneous Affairs

You will be buttoning up the final details in this phase. While these items may not be as critical and time sensitive as others, they are still very important and should be taken care of sooner rather than later.

• Contact the major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, to ensure outstanding debts are submitted to the estate and to protect against fraudulent activity.
• Cancel the deceased’s driver’s license and voter’s registration.
• Delete or memorialize the departed’s Facebook page. Shutdown any other social media accounts. Close email accounts.
• Remove the deceased’s name from all marketing and mailing lists.

The Trust Factor

If the person who passed away had a trust and you have accepted the position of successor trustee, or executor, your responsibilities should have been outlined for you prior to the deceased’s passing.

As you begin to fulfill the obligations of your role, remember that maintaining an open line of communication with beneficiaries is key to ensuring the process goes smoothly. Beneficiaries should be given copies of the trust documents and made aware of updates and changes pertaining to the trust.

Concluding Remarks

Now that you have a better understanding of what to do after a funeral, I’d like to leave you with some final thoughts.

First, even though you have been provided with a thorough “to do” list, be aware that every case differs and there will likely be additional items to take care of down the road. And while it might be easier said than done, have patience with yourself, the process, and other involved parties.

Secondly, whether there is a will, a trust, neither, or both, most experts would agree it’s almost always a wise decision to seek professional guidance for legal matters. Some people also find various online services and tools to be helpful as well.

And lastly, if you find your commitments to be trying, or even frustrating at times, try to focus your thoughts on how much the person who passed away would have appreciated your loyal efforts. The confidence that has been placed in your abilities is a testimony to the trusting relationship you had with the deceased.