What to do when a love one passes away - A step-by-step guide

Losing a loved one is an emotional and overwhelming experience. In addition to coping with grief, there are important legal and financial matters that must be addressed. At Wills & Probate Florida Law Group, we are here to guide you through the process and help you navigate probate, estate administration, and asset distribution.

Immediate Steps to Take

Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of Death

• If your loved one passed away in a hospital or hospice, medical staff will handle this.

• If they passed at home, contact emergency services or a doctor to obtain a death certificate.

Notify Close Family & Friends

• Inform immediate family members, close friends, and any religious or community organizations that need to know.

Secure Property & Pets

• Ensure the deceased’s home, valuables, and pets are cared for to prevent theft, damage, or neglect.

Locate Important Documents

• Gather essential paperwork, including:

• Will or trust documents

• Insurance policies

• Financial account statements

• Real estate deeds

• Funeral or burial instructions

Legal & Financial Steps

Arrange for Funeral & Burial Services

• Check if the deceased had a prepaid funeral plan or specific wishes regarding burial or cremation.

Obtain Death Certificates

• Request multiple copies of the death certificate from the funeral home or vital records office, as they will be needed for legal and financial matters.

Identify the Executor or Trustee

• If the deceased had a will, it will name an executor responsible for managing the estate.

• If they had a trust, the trustee will oversee asset distribution.

• If there is no will, the probate court will appoint an administrator.

Notify Social Security & Other Agencies

• Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and any pension providers to report the death and stop benefits.

• If applicable, inquire about survivor benefits.

Inform Banks, Creditors & Insurance Companies

• Close or transfer bank accounts

• Notify credit card companies and cancel unused cards

• Contact insurance providers to file claims

• Pay off outstanding debts or notify creditors of the probate process

Review & Manage Estate Assets

Inventory all assets, including:

• Real estate

• Bank accounts

• Investments

• Personal property

• Business interests

A probate attorney can help determine which assets need to go through probate and which pass directly to beneficiaries.

Begin the Probate Process (If Required)

If the deceased’s estate requires probate, the executor must:

1. File the will with the probate court

2. Notify beneficiaries and creditors

3. Pay outstanding debts and taxes

4. Distribute assets according to the will or Florida law

If the estate is small or properly structured with trusts, probate may be avoided.

Get Legal Guidance & Support

Handling the legal and financial aspects after a loved one’s passing can be overwhelming, especially while grieving. At Wills & Probate Florida Law Group, we provide compassionate and knowledgeable guidance to help you navigate probate, estate administration, and asset transfers.

📞 Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you through this difficult time.

Click here to call us: (954) 990-0996