This week, we are continuing our tips for what to do when THAT happens. We invited an attorney to give us her legal perspective on what information needs to be gathered after your loved one passes. This is her first blog of a two blog series. In her next blog, she will provide guidance gathering and preparing information so that when someone passes, their loved ones will have peace of mind in knowing where the important documents are located and how to follow their wishes in regards to their items, the service/funeral, and any other things of importance to the deceased. It is our hope that this information will provide peace and guidance to all of our readers.
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Important Documents to Gather After a Spouse Dies ~Crystal L. Johnson, Esq.
The loss of a spouse is a traumatic experience and handling finances during a difficult time is overwhelming. If you have an attorney, please contact him/her immediately.
The following are important documents that you should gather after the death of your spouse:
- Certified Copies of Death Certificate – The certified death certificates can be purchased through the funeral director or directly from your county health department. I suggest that you request at least ten (10) copies of the certified death certificates.
- Life Insurance Policies – Inform the insurance company of the event as soon as possible. They will need you to file a death claim and submit a death certificate. Also, contact your spouse’s employer because he/she may have employer-sponsored life insurance coverage.
- Other Insurance Policies – Please locate other insurance policies such as auto, health, homeowners, etc.
- Military Discharge Papers – If your spouse was a veteran, you will need a copy of his/her discharge papers (honorable or other than dishonorable).
- Marriage Certificate – You will need a copy of your marriage certificate if you plan to apply for benefits based on your marital relationships. Copies may be obtained from the office of the County Clerk (in the US) where the marriage certificate was issued.
- Children’s Birth Certificates – You will need copies of birth certificates for your dependent children. To file for social security benefits. The certificates are available at the state or county public health office where your child was born.
- Will, Trust, and Power of Attorney – Please contact your spouse’s attorney to review your spouse’s Will, Trust, and/or Power of Attorney. If the said documents were not prepared by an attorney, please contact an attorney to review the documents that a non-attorney prepared.
- Retirement accounts – Contact your spouse’s employer in regard to the retirement accounts that your spouse was the owner of. If your spouse was a business owner, contact the financial advisor and/or investment brokerage firm that holds the account.
- Deeds for Real Estate – Contact an attorney to review all deeds for real estate. In most cases, the deed should be changed to remove the spouse’s name.
- Titles to Automobile, Boat, Recreational vehicles – Transfer of legal title to automobiles and/or boats in your spouse’s name are required.
- Account Statements – Bank and brokerage account statements for the month or two prior to death.
- Bills – If you are not the spouse that handles the household finances, locate every bill that your spouse paid and note the monthly amounts and due dates to ensure that you make timely payments.
- Last Two Years’ Tax Returns and Documents Related to Taxes – You or the executor will need to file a final tax return for your spouse. Your tax preparer should have copies of your tax returns for previous years. If you choose to use a different tax preparer, he/she will need to review the last two years’ tax returns that your spouse’s income was reported on. Also, your tax preparer will need each tax document issued to your spouse for the tax year that he/she died in order to prepare a final tax return.
The process of going through personal items and dealing with financial affairs after your spouse dies is extremely stressful. Please seek professional help and emotional support if you feel that it’s too much to handle. Do not allow anyone to take advantage of you while you are grieving.
Crystal L. Johnson, Esq.
9800 Connecticut Drive, Suite B1-301
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219)213-6774
Fax: (219)213-6775
If you would like to know more about Attorney Johnson’s Law Services, please visit her on Facebook.
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Our thanks to Crystal for sharing her expertise with our readers. We hope that it will provide peace and comfort to our readers. Please share with those who may benefit.
Peace and Blessings,
Jeni & Teresa
This article is not intended to be all inclusive nor are Teresa or Jeni legal experts. Please do see a trusted, vetted professional for your legal needs.
