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First and foremost should be to "circle the wagons" and ensure everyone in your family, including yourself, is getting the emotional support you need. There isn't anything from a legal perspective that is necessary in the immediate two to four weeks that we can't follow-up with later.
• What do I do about the decedent’s Social Security payments?
Usually, the funeral home or cremation service will be able to answer these questions and notify the Social Security Administration for you. However, here is the link to the SSA website:
https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/ifyou.html
• How many death certificates should I order?
Typically, you should order one short & one long form death certificate. You may also need additional short form certificates for each financial account & additional long form certificates for life insurance proceeds.
• Should I pay the decedent’s debts?
No! Please do not pay any debts of the decedent that are not your joint debts until you speak with our office.
• What, if anything needs to be done about the decedent’s homestead property?
If the decedent was survived by a spouse, there are a few Affidavits that we will assist you in preparing and recording to clear the title to the property to make sure it is in the surviving spouse’s name. You will also want to provide a death certificate to the County Tax Appraiser’s Office in order to claim the widow’s/widower’s exemption on the real property taxes. If the decedent was not survived by a spouse, make sure the house is secure and contact our office.
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