The First Week

This is the information gathering phase. You are clarifying roles, locating documents, and learning what applies without needing to complete everything yet.

Obtain death certificates

This document that allows institutions to recognize that a death has legally occurred. Without them, banks, insurance companies, and benefit providers usually cannot release information or take next steps. Ordering multiple copies early prevents delays later when requests begin to overlap. 

• You should order multiple copies of the death certificate (often 5–10).

• You will need these for banks, insurance, and benefits.

Locate important documents

These documents establish both identity and authority. They help confirm what benefits exist, who is allowed to act, and whether legal steps such as probate may be required. 

If they are available, gather:

• will or estate planning document

• insurance policies

• Social Security number

• military or employment records

• bank and investment statements

Don't worry about organizing everything perfectly yet. We'll get to that later. 

Clarify legal authority

Before contacting institutions, it helps to understand who is legally allowed to act. Many delays and frustrations occur when well-meaning family members try to move things forward without recognized authority. We need to understand: 

• Who is the executor (if there is a will)

• Whether probate may be required

• Who has authority to speak to banks and institutions

Important: Power of attorney ends at death. This surprises many families.

Notify key institutions (as needed)

Notifying institutions early helps prevent account issues, overpayments, or missed benefits. You are not committing to decisions, you are simply starting the record. 

Depending on your role:

• employer or former employer

• Social Security Administration

• life insurance providers

• pension or retirement plan administrators

You can ask each organization:

“What documentation do you require, and what can wait?”

The Next Couple of Weeks

As the initial shock eases, administrative tasks often begin to surface. This phase is less intense than the first days, but it can feel heavier because decisions start to stack. The goal is not to complete everything, only to handle the steps that unlock others and let the rest wait. 

Manage financial accounts

Banks and creditors need to be notified so accounts can be properly restricted or transitioned. This helps prevent unauthorized activity and avoids confusion later, especially when bills or benefits overlap. 

• Notify banks and credit card companies.

• Ask about freezing or retitling accounts.

• Do not move money unless you have authority.

Address housing and property

Understanding how property is titled determines what actions are allowed and who must be involved. Securing physical items early helps prevent loss or disputes, even if no decisions are made yet. 

• Confirm how the home is titled.

• Secure valuables, vehicles, and important mail.

• Forward or monitor mail to avoid missed bills.

Handle insurance and benefits

Insurance and benefit timelines often start automatically after a death. Early notification helps avoid lapses in coverage and ensures survivor benefits are not delayed. 

• File life insurance claims if applicable.

• Review health insurance changes.

• Ask about survivor benefits for spouses or children.

Preserve digital access

Digital accounts often hold financial, legal, and personal information that becomes important later. Preserving access now prevents unnecessary roadblocks when records, photos, or billing details are needed.  If possible:

• maintain access to phone, email, and online accounts

• document logins securely

• avoid deleting accounts yet

Digital access often affects billing, photos, and records later.

The Next Couple of Months

This phase is about follow-through rather than urgency. Many remaining tasks move slowly and depend on outside timelines. It is also common for emotional weight to increase here, as distractions fade and life begins to feel quieter.

Progress may be uneven. That is normal.

Complete estate and legal processes

At this stage, formal processes often move forward in the background. These steps can take weeks or months and may involve waiting periods you cannot control. 

• Probate (if required)

• asset transfers

• creditor notifications

• final tax matters

This timeline varies widely by state and situation.

Close or transfer remaining accounts

Once authority is established and major assets are addressed, smaller accounts often surface. Closing or transferring these helps reduce ongoing notifications, charges, and administrative noise. 

• subscriptions and memberships

• utilities

• vehicles

• online services

Address emotional and practical aftermath

Grief does not follow a schedule. Many people expect things to feel easier once paperwork slows. In reality, grief often becomes more noticeable during this period. Without constant tasks to focus on, emotions can rise unexpectedly. 

Consider:

• counseling or grief support

• time off work if available

• help with ongoing responsibilities

You do not have to “be strong” or handle everything alone.

A Caution Checklist

After a parent dies, it’s common to feel pressure to act quickly. In reality, many steps are better taken once roles and responsibilities are clear. This checklist highlights areas where it can help to pause or ask questions first.

Before moving money or property

• Avoid transferring or distributing funds until you know who has legal authority.

• Even well-intentioned actions can create complications later.

• If an account is jointly owned, ask what documentation is required.

Before paying bills or debts personally

• You are generally not responsible for a parent’s debts unless you are a co-signer.

• Paying out of pocket or from the wrong account can cause issues later.

Before selling or giving away belongings

• Personal items and property may be part of the estate.

• Moving or distributing items too early can create complications or conflict.

• Consider documenting belongings before anything is removed.

Before making major decisions

• Big choices such as selling a home or closing long-held accounts rarely need to happen immediately.

• Many people benefit from waiting until the initial shock has passed.

Before closing digital accounts

• Email, phone, and online access often affect billing and records.

• Preserving access for now can prevent problems later.

• There is no need to delete anything right away