Checklist of Steps to Take When Your Spouse Dies

When a spouse dies, it can be an incredibly overwhelming and emotional time. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the death can help ease some of the burden during this difficult period. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the necessary tasks from the moment of death.

1. Immediate Steps After Your Spouse Dies

Notify Authorities:

• Call 911 if your spouse dies at home. Paramedics and police will arrive to confirm the death and provide a legal pronouncement of death.
• If your spouse dies in a hospital or hospice, the staff will handle this process.

Contact Close Family and Friends:

• Notify immediate family members and close friends to inform them of the passing.

Locate Important Documents:

• Find your spouse’s will, insurance policies, and any pre-arranged funeral plans.

Arrange for Care of Dependents and Pets:

• Ensure that children, elderly or disabled dependents, and pets are taken care of during this time.

2. Within the First Few Days

Contact a Funeral Home:

• Choose a funeral home and begin making arrangements for the funeral, memorial service, or cremation.

Secure Property:

• Ensure your home and any other properties are secure.

Inform Your Spouse’s Employer:

• Notify your spouse’s employer about the death and ask about any benefits or pay owed.

Notify Financial Institutions:

• Contact banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions to inform them of the death.

3. Handling Legal and Financial Matters

Get Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate:

• Obtain at least 10-15 certified copies of the death certificate from the funeral home or the county health department.

Consult an Attorney:

• If your spouse had a will or trust, contact an attorney to begin the probate process. If there is no will or trust, the estate will need to be settled according to state law. We recommend Book Law Firm in Carrollton, Texas for Texas probates.

Notify the Social Security Administration:

• Contact the SSA to stop payments to the deceased and inquire about survivor benefits.

Update Ownership Documents:

• Change ownership of joint assets, such as homes, cars, and bank accounts.

File for Life Insurance Benefits:

• Submit a claim to any life insurance policies your spouse held.

Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles:

• Inform the DMV of your spouse’s death and update vehicle registrations.

4. Managing Day-to-Day Affairs

Pay Bills:

• Continue to pay bills to keep services running and avoid late fees or penalties.

Close Unnecessary Accounts:

• Cancel your spouse’s credit cards, subscriptions, and memberships.

Update Your Will and Estate Plan:

• Review and update your own will, trust, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.

5. Emotional and Long-Term Considerations

Seek Support:

• Consider joining a support group for grieving spouses or seeking counseling.

Take Care of Yourself:

• Make sure to look after your physical and mental health during this challenging time.

Plan for the Future:

• Reevaluate your financial situation and plan for your long-term financial security.

Navigating the aftermath of a spouse’s death is never easy, but having a checklist can help ensure that you address all the critical tasks during this time. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals as you go through this process.

If you need to update your estate plan after losing your spouse, or need to get your own affairs in order, we would love to assist at TexanWillsandTrusts.com.