Next Steps to Take After Your Spouse Passes Away
After a spouse passes away, an individual can feel overwhelmed with responsibilities. Here are some important steps to take after your spouse passes away.
Losing your husband can stir a wide range of emotions. In the midst of all of this, one is left to fulfill certain responsibilities following the passing of a spouse. One should prioritize their emotional well-being before considering necessary next steps. While certain tasks should be completed sooner rather than later, stay mindful of your capacity during this time.
It may be helpful to hire an attorney, financial advisor, or tax advisor to review all necessary documents and lighten any workload. If one chooses not to hire anyone for assistance, here is a helpful checklist to summarize the necessary actions following the death of a spouse.
My Husband Passed Away. What Do I Do?
Losing a loved one can be very painful. First and foremost, it is important that one takes the time they need to process this loss. One should take the following steps once they are ready and prepared to do so.
1. Call an attorney.
Working with an attorney can help an individual understand important processes and the laws regarding the passing of a spouse.
2. Contact Social Security.
Contacting the Social Security Administration following the passing of a spouse is important, as one may be eligible for survivor benefits. It should be noted that contacting Social Security should not be done online, but rather by visiting the local Social Security office or calling on the phone.
3. Locate the will.
A will is generally filed with an attorney or kept in a safe place. Contact an attorney to read the will and to settle the estate.
Related: Property Entitlement If Your Name Is Not on Spouse’s Deed
4. Notify the spouse’s employer.
Find out benefits due to beneficiaries, retirement/pension plans, and continuing coverage under medical insurance. It may be beneficial to contact your own employer as well, as there are certain life event benefits that individuals may qualify for.
5. Ask the spouse’s employer about 401(k)s, life insurance policies, or other benefits
6. If applicable, check with the Veteran’s Administration.
If one’s spouse served in the military, individuals may be applicable for benefits.
Related: Divorced Military Spouse Benefits: What Am I Entitled To?
7. Notify all insurance companies.
This includes life and health insurance. Ask the insurance companies for claim forms and online links as soon as possible, as this process typically takes a while.
8. Change property titles.
Update these titles by removing your spouse’s name and update insurance policies.
Related: Community Property Laws in California
9. Change titles on all jointly-held bank accounts, investment accounts, and credit accounts.
Close all accounts that were in the spouse’s name only or change the account holder’s information.
10. Send a letter to the three major credit bureaus.
These are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Obtain a copy of all of your spouse’s credit reports and be aware of any debt. Ask to have the credit report changed to “Deceased– do not issue credit” so no credit is taken from their name.
11. Notify personal accountant.
Taxes should be filed for your spouse the year of their death. Contacting an accountant may alleviate this tedious process.
12. Call the financial aid office if you have a child in college.
Your child may qualify for more assistance depending on your changed financial situation.
13. Work with a financial advisor.
A financial advisor may be of help to an individual whose spouse has passed away. They can update any financial plan based on benefits you have received, help create a new budget without your spouse’s income, revise your retirement plan, and give their opinion regarding investments.
Contact Us
This may be a difficult time, but know that legal support is available to you. If you have any more questions about what next steps to take after your spouse passes away, contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today!