Survivor’s Checklist
Mimi’s husband, Jesse, sent me this “survivor’s checklist” that he put together for when Mimi passed. In the aftermath of Mimi’s death, this list became a necessity as he navigated the sadness and grief of his new life.
Jesse has since shared the list with others who have appreciated the guidance for “things that need to get done” in the wake of a loved one’s passing.
I am posting here in the hopes that it will help you or someone you know. Feel free to advise me of any additional points you think should be included. Thanks.
Decide what the funeral arrangements are going to entail. Cremation or burial? Will a ceremony, viewing or celebration of life be held?
Source out those services along with cost.
Request a few certified copies of the death certificate. (A digital copy will be accepted by most places.) You will need these going forward to prove the time and cause of death to various entities.
Notify the credit bureaus of the passing of the person. A certified copy of the death certificate will need to be provided. Make sure to have them mark the account as deceased and freeze all future credit requests. This will need to be done over the phone and online. Request a copy of all three credit reports ASAP. These will be used to determine what debts a person still owes at time of passing and or any debts/ collections they may have had. All open credit cards will also be listed and those cards will need to be closed.
Notify Social Security Administration. A certified copy of the death certificate will need to be provided. Make sure to have them mark the account as deceased and stop issuing benefits. This will need to be done over the phone and online.
Notify all government assistance entities the person may have been receiving money from or would soon be eligible to receive assistance from of the death. (Federal aid, unemployment, state assistance, disability, snap or other food assistance programs). A certified copy of the death certificate will need to be provided. Make sure to have them mark the account as close/deceased so no additional benefits are issued. This will need to be done over the phone and online. Under no circumstances do you or anyone else touch any money or benefits that are either deposited into the person's bank account or provided on a card after the date of passing. You will be held responsible for the repayment of those benefits.
Using the credit reports, assess what debts and or collections belong to the person who passed. A certified copy of the death certificate will need to be provided to every creditor and/or collections department. This will need to be done over the phone and online.
Check the individual’s state laws for information on community property. For Colorado residents, Colorado is not a community property state. This means that upon the death of a person, any debts are non-transferable unless another person was a cosigner on the account.
Calculate an asset assessment. (House, car, investments, bank accounts, etc.) Make a list of anything that could have a perceived monetary value. (Personal or sentimental items do not usually fall into this category.) If the person did not have a will, those assets will likely end up in probate court and be used to pay the deceased person’s debts or collections. If the person had no assets, any debts will be written off by the creditors.
Under no circumstances should any money be withdrawn from bank accounts or investments after the person’s date of passing.
If in doubt contact a probate lawyer for assistance.
Carry out the will/trust/final wishes of the deceased. If you are the executor, you will need to follow the will/trust directives. In the event that no will exists, divide any personal items between family and friends to the best of your ability.