Helpful Guides

Who to Contact First After a Death

Which calls matter most in the first day or two

Who to Notify After a Death

A calm order for who to tell, and when

Death Certificates

How to get them and what you'll need them for

What to Cancel

What to cancel now vs. what to wait on

Checklist

A printable step-by-step checklist for the first days

Social Security

What happens to benefits after a death — and what to ask about

Documents After a Death

What documents and paperwork you may need — and what can wait

Burial vs. Cremation

Understanding your options and what they typically cost

What Happens if There Is No Will?

What happens when someone dies without a will

Do You Need Probate?

Do you need probate — and how does it work?

Bank Accounts After a Death

What happens to bank accounts — and what to do first

Legal Authority After a Death

Who is legally in charge — and what paperwork they may need

Life Insurance After a Death

How to find a policy and what you'll need to file a claim