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The first step is to collect the necessary papers in order to file for various benefits and to finalize the estate: Copies of the death certificate: You will need to give copies of the death certificate to many of the offices or agencies you contact. You ca...

The deceased may have had several types of insurance policies. These could include: Life insurance Mortgage insurance Loan insurance Accident insurance (if applicable) Auto insurance (if applicable) Credit card insurance Various types of insurance pr...

The deceased is considered to be covered by Social Security if he/she paid into Social Security for at least 40 quarters. Check with your local Social Security office to determine if the deceased was eligible. If the deceased was eligible, there are two types ...

If the deceased was a veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable, the survivors may be eligible to receive a lump-sum payment of $300+ towards burial expenses and an allowance of $150 for the purchase of a plot in a private cemetery. Veterans are...

If the deceased was employed at the time of death, you should contact the employer regarding any benefits for the survivors. The employer may have provided life, health, or accident insurance that will yield payments. The deceased may be due a final paycheck f...

Hopefully a valid will, signed by the deceased, is available. Try to locate a copy of it. Check with the lawyer, family, and friends of the deceased who might know where the will is kept. It may be stored in a safe deposit box, which is sealed at the time of d...

Probate is the legal process of distributing the estate of the deceased to the rightful heirs. This process usually entails: The appointment of an individual by the court to act as a “personal representative” or “executor” of the estate. This person is ofte...

Federal Estate Tax Because of changes in recent years, very few estates now have to pay the federal estate tax. Contact your local Internal Revenue Service office for Form 706 or visit their website. State Estate/Inheritance Tax There is no estate or inheri...

The federal and income taxes of the deceased are due for the year of death (Nevada has no state personal income tax). The taxes are due on the normal filing date of the following year, unless an extension is requested. The spouse of the deceased may file join...

You may need to transfer ownership or change title on property, or revise documents after a death. Some items to check include: Insurance Policies: For policies held by the spouse of the deceased, beneficiaries may need to be changed. Especially for life in...

Credit cards, which were held exclusively in the name of the deceased, should be canceled. Any payments due on these credit cards should be paid by the estate. In the case of a spouse, you may have credit cards in both names, or you may have used cards which ...

Debts owned by the deceased will be the responsibility of the estate and should be forwarded to the personal representative or executor who is settling the estate. However, debts which are jointly owned, particularly mortgage payments and utility or phone bill...

You may need or desire the services of a professional, particularly a lawyer or a financial advisor. It may be easy initially to use the services of the lawyer who wrote the will for the deceased or to work with the financial advisor of the deceased. Or you ma...

CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY to report your loss. They will send an adjuster to discuss your situation. Protect your property from further damage, weather, vandalism, and theft. Arrange for board-up if necessary to prevent entry of intruders ...

DO NOT sign anything immediately after property damage to the home or business. Take time to read all forms or work orders thoroughly. DO NOT give anyone carte blanche for any repairs or work to be done. Get estimates. DO NOT leave the site until it is sec...

Remember: It is your decision on which fire remediation/restoration company you want to use. Do not feel you have to use a company simply because they showed up or were referred by someone. Call your insurance company if you have questions.