1. Notify family and friends of the death.
Notifying family and friends of the death is one of the most important things to do after someone dies. It's important to let as many people as possible know so that they can offer their condolences. There are many ways to notify people, including sending out a mass email or text, posting a message on social media, or putting up a notice in the local newspaper.
2. File a death certificate.
After someone dies, the funeral home will usually file a death certificate with the local government. This document is used to record the death and to prove that it took place. It's important to make sure that the death certificate is filed promptly, because many important tasks cannot be carried out until it is.
3. Arrange for the body to be transported and buried or cremated.
The next task on the after death checklist is arranging for the body to be transported and buried or cremated. This needs to be done as soon as possible, preferably within a few days of the person's death. If the person has chosen to be buried, then the funeral home will take care of all the arrangements. If the person has chosen to be cremated, then you will need to make arrangements with a crematorium.
4. Contact the deceased person's employer, bank, and other important institutions.
The next step on the after death checklist is contacting the deceased person's employer, bank, and other important institutions. This needs to be done as soon as possible in order to close down accounts and finalize transactions. You may need copies of the deceased person's death certificate in order to do this.
5. Cancel credit cards, memberships, and subscriptions.
After someone dies, it's important to cancel their credit cards, memberships, and subscriptions. This can help prevent any unauthorized use of these accounts. Be sure to contact all applicable companies and provide them with proof of death.
6. Shut down email account.
When someone dies, it's a good idea to shut down their email account. This can help protect against identity theft and keep confidential information from being accessed by strangers. Contact your email provider for instructions on how to do this.
7. Transfer utilities into the name of the deceased person's estate or heir.
If someone dies intestate (without a will), then their estate will need to go through probate in order to be distributed among their heirs. In order to do this, the utilities will need to be transferred into the name of the estate. This can be done by contacting the utility companies and providing them with proof of death.
8. Sell any assets that need to be sold.
If someone dies with assets that need to be sold, then these need to be sold as soon as possible. This includes things like houses, cars, jewelry, and art. The best way to sell these items is through an auction house or a broker.
9. Pay off debts.
All of the deceased person's debts will need to be paid off before their estate can be distributed among their heirs. This includes things like credit card debt, mortgages, car loans, and student loans. Be sure to contact all creditors and provide them with proof of death.
10. Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Finally, the last task on the after death checklist is distributing assets to beneficiaries. This needs to be done according to the terms of the person's will or, if there is no will, according to state law. Be sure to keep good records of all distributions so that you can prove that they were made properly.