Final Affairs Guide

Final Affairs Guide

Losing a loved one is painful, overwhelming, and managing their affairs is often daunting. While an attorney can assist with legal matters such as probate and estate execution, many practical tasks remain. This checklist will help you navigate the process step by step, and hopefully help you to stay organized, reduce stress, and ensure nothing important is overlooked during this difficult time.

Please note, this checklist does not constitute legal advice and should not replace professional guidance. It is intended as a general resource to help you navigate practical tasks and honor your loved one’s wishes.

Why This Matters

Many of these tasks require documents such as a will, insurance policies, financial records, and account details. Storing these securely and ensuring loved ones can access them when needed is why DocuGuardian exists, to provide peace of mind through secure digital storage and easy access to the documents you need and the memories you want to preserve.

1. Immediate Steps After a Loved One Passes

Obtain Death Certificates

• You will need multiple copies (at least 10) of the official death certificate for various processes, including closing accounts and filing claims.
• Now is the time to request these from the funeral home or local vital records office.

Locate the Will and Identify the Executor

• Your loved one should have a copy of their will, trust documents, and estate plan within the DocuGuardian vault and this is required to determine your loved one’s final wishes and how their assets are to be distributed.
• If your loved one had a will, the executor will be named in the will and is responsible for handling estate matters.
• If there is no will, the estate will go through intestate succession, meaning the Probate Court will appoint an administrator, typically a close family member, who will manage the distribution of assets according to state laws."

Secure Property & Tangible Assets

• Your loved one likely had documents in the DocuGuardian vault explaining your loved one’s wishes for the home, vehicle, and personal belongings.
• In addition, you should ensure the home, vehicle, and personal belongings are all protected from unauthorized access.
• With regard to all property, you should update or maintain insurance on valuable assets until they are transferred or sold.

2. Legal & Financial Tasks

File the Will with the Local Probate Court

• Even if probate isn’t required, filing the will may be a legal requirement. You may wish to discuss this with an attorney.

Notify Financial Institutions & Government Agencies

• Banks & Credit Unions: Close or transfer accounts to beneficiaries.
• Credit Card Companies: Close accounts and settle outstanding balances.
• Social Security Administration: Notify SSA to stop payments and inquire about survivor benefits.
• Employer or Pension Provider: Inform the employer or HR department to collect any due salary, benefits, or pensions.
  
  

3. Managing the Estate & Assets

Set Up an Estate Bank Account

• This account is used to collect payments owed to the deceased and pay estate-related expenses, including debts and taxes.

Take Inventory of Assets & Debts

• Make a list of real estate, vehicles, investments, digital assets, and personal property.
• Identify and verify outstanding debts, including loans, mortgages, and medical bills.

Pay Outstanding Debts & Taxes

• Ensure that all estate debts and final taxes are paid before distributing assets.
• File the deceased’s final income tax return.

Distribute Assets to Beneficiaries

• Follow the instructions in the will or state law if no will exists.
• Work with an attorney if necessary to ensure fair and legal asset distribution.

4. Accounts, Subscriptions, & Digital Assets

Manage Digital & Online Accounts

• Email & Social Media: Close or memorialize accounts following platform policies.
• Online Subscriptions: Cancel or transfer ownership of streaming services, cloud storage, and memberships.  NOTE: Be sure not to close their DocuGuardian account until you are confident that you have downloaded the member’s content.
• Cryptocurrency & Digital Investments: Ensure beneficiaries can access and transfer digital assets if applicable.

Cancel Services & Subscriptions

• Utilities & Phone Service: Cancel or transfer to the estate administrator.
• Insurance Policies: Cancel auto, home, or health insurance that are no longer needed.
• U.S. Postal Service: Forward mail to an appropriate address to prevent identity theft.

5. Real Estate & Personal Belongings

Address Home, Mortgage, or Rental Property

• Notify the mortgage company, landlord, or property management of the death.
• Decide whether to sell, transfer ownership, or continue payments on the property.

Distribute or Sell Personal Items

• Follow the will or family agreements for distributing heirlooms, jewelry, or sentimental items.
• Consider hiring an appraiser or estate sale service for valuable possessions.

6. Emotional Support & Final Reflections

Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional process. Take time to:

• Lean on family, friends, or grief support groups for emotional support.
• Ensure any final wishes (e.g., memorial service preferences) are carried out.
• Reflect on your own legacy and ensure your important documents and memories are stored securely for your loved ones.

Make It Easier for Your Loved Ones
If you haven’t already, consider setting up your own DocuGuardian account to securely store your will, financial details, passwords, and important items you wish to share, ensuring your family won’t have to struggle to find information when they want and need it most.

Final Thoughts

Handling final affairs requires patience, organization, and access to important documents. DocuGuardian provides a simple, secure way to store and share critical information, so everything is in one place when it’s needed most.

If you would like to set up your own DocuGuardian account today and give your loved ones the gift of clarity and peace of mind.

Access the DocuGuardian Final Affairs Checklist here

*The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, insurance, or other professional advice. DocuGuardian is a technology service platform and does not provide legal, medical, financial, insurance or other professional services of any kind. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified legal, medical, financial, insurance, or other licensed professional for personalized guidance on your estate planning and legal, financial, medical, and insurance matters. Please review our Terms of Service for more information.