Northeast Ohio Probate Lawyer Michael McNamee Can Guide You Through the Steps You Must Take After a Loved One Has Passed Away
Losing a loved one is an emotionally overwhelming experience, and amidst the grief, there are important and practical steps that need to be addressed. This article aims to provide a compassionate and comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the essential tasks that must be undertaken after a friend or family member has passed away. From handling immediate concerns to managing long-term affairs, we explain how to ensure that your loved one's final matters are handled with care and respect. If you need assistance with the Ohio probate process, we urge you to contact our office to schedule an appointment with experienced probate lawyer Michael McNamee.
Make Your Initial Notifications
- Obtain original death certificates.
- Notify Social Security if the deceased person was receiving benefits.
- Locate the Original Last Will and Testament. Check with the local probate court to determine if Will was held on deposit.
Locate Important Financial Information
- Determine checking and savings accounts.
- Check for a safe deposit box. Check with the bank to determine if the deceased designated who could have access. A court order may have to be obtained.
- Obtain a copy of the last Federal income tax return that was filed.
- Make a listing of assets. This includes:
- Bank accounts
- Online accounts (PayPal, etc.)
- Brokerage accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Any collections such as coin collections, etc.
- Personal property (work tools, jewelry, any items of value)
- Review for life insurance policies, including any employer-provided policies.
- Determine if there was a retirement plan such as 401k, Traditional IRA, or Roth IRA.
- Locate titles to any vehicles, trailers, or boats.
- Secure any real estate that is owned.
Make Additional Notifications
- Notify the property insurance agent that the real estate (house) is vacant.
- Notify the credit card company and/or credit bureaus.
- Notify any investment advisors or insurance agents.
Final Steps
- Review any debt that the deceased owed, such as credit cards, auto loans, etc.
- Check unclaimed funds.
- File final tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service and state authorities.
- Obtaining copies of prior tax returns. This will be a good road map to help identify any bank accounts and other assets owned by the decedent.
- Retain a copy of the final funeral home bill paid. (This may be required for the local Probate Court.)
Additional Points to Consider After a Loved One Has Passed Away in Ohio
- It is normal practice for the funeral home to notify Social Security, and depending on the date of death, the individual may be entitled to the Social Security payment for that month or may have to pay back a payment.
- If the deceased had designated beneficiaries on bank accounts, brokerage accounts, or life insurance, forms can be submitted with a certified death certificate.
- If a house is now vacant due to the deceased, it is very important to notify the property insurance company. If there is subsequent property damage and the insurance company was not notified, then they may deny coverage since the property was vacant.
- If an original Last Will and Testament can not be located, then a copy can be used for Probate Court, although there will be more steps involved.