Handling Estates/Paperwork
This Chapter will cover:
- Practical consideration
- Papers and certificates
- Insurance policies
- Social Security
- Veteran’s benefits
- Employee Benefits
- Wills and probate
- Taxes and general finances
The death of a spouse or loved one is a very difficult time. Yet even during this period of grief and emotional readjustments, important financial arrangements must be made. Some attention may have been focused on these items prior to a death. This guide, however, was developed to help you prepare for and handle the many details which must be attended to, whether or not any prior arrangements were made. We hope the following information will help to guide you through the many decisions that need to be made and actions, which need to be taken in the first few months after death
Practical Considerations for Funeral or Memorial Services
Decide on time and place for funeral or memorial service. Make a list of immediate family, clo...
Practical Considerations for AFTER Funeral or Memorial Services
Notify the lawyer and executor of the will. Get several copies of the death certificate. Plan ...
Collecting Paperwork
The first step is to collect the necessary papers in order to file for various benefits and to fi...
Insurance Policies
The deceased may have had several types of insurance policies. These could include: Life insu...
Social Security
The deceased is considered to be covered by Social Security if he/she paid into Social Security f...
Veteran’s Benefits
If the deceased was a veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable, the survivors may...
Employee Benefits
If the deceased was employed at the time of death, you should contact the employer regarding any ...
The Will
Hopefully a valid will, signed by the deceased, is available. Try to locate a copy of it. Check w...
Probate
Probate is the legal process of distributing the estate of the deceased to the rightful heirs. Th...
Estate and Inheritance Tax
Federal Estate Tax Because of changes in recent years, very few estates now have to pay the fede...
Income Tax
The federal and income taxes of the deceased are due for the year of death (Nevada has no state p...
Changing Ownership or Title
You may need to transfer ownership or change title on property, or revise documents after a death...
Credit Cards
Credit cards, which were held exclusively in the name of the deceased, should be canceled. Any pa...
General Finances
Debts owned by the deceased will be the responsibility of the estate and should be forwarded to t...
Professional Assistance
You may need or desire the services of a professional, particularly a lawyer or a financial advis...