Losing someone you love can feel overwhelming. During such times, even simple tasks can seem daunting. This
guide is designed to help you take one step at a time — offering structure and clarity when you need it most. Keep
this checklist nearby, refer to it as needed, and remember, you don’t have to do everything at once
Immediate Steps
• ☐ Contact the appropriate authorities (911 or coroner’s office if death occurs at home)
• ☐ Notify close family members or friends
• ☐ Arrange care for dependents or pets
• ☐ Secure the residence and valuables
• ☐ Contact a funeral home to coordinate arrangements
• ☐ Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate (10–12 recommended)
Notify Key Individuals and Organizations
• ☐ Family attorney, financial planner, and CPA
• ☐ Employer (for both the deceased and surviving spouse, if applicable)
• ☐ Insurance companies (life, health, home, auto)
• ☐ Social Security Administration — 1-800-772-1213
• ☐ Veterans Administration — 1-800-827-1000 (if applicable)
• ☐ Pension or annuity providers
• ☐ Utility companies and postal service (for forwarding mail)
Gather Important Documents
• ☐ Will and/or trust documents
• ☐ Marriage certificate and dependents’ birth certificates
• ☐ Life insurance policies and recent financial statements
• ☐ Real estate deeds, mortgage statements, and vehicle titles
• ☐ Tax returns from the past two years
• ☐ Military discharge papers (if applicable)
Financial & Legal Considerations
• ☐ Schedule a meeting with your financial advisor and estate attorney
• ☐ Avoid making large financial decisions right away
• ☐ Freeze or close accounts as advised; stop automatic payments
• ☐ File claims for life insurance, pensions, and Social Security survivor benefits
• ☐ Confirm estate settlement needs — probate, trust administration, or TOD transfers
Estate & Account Management
• ☐ Retitle jointly held accounts and assets- Keep one account open with deceased party’s name in anticipation
of dividend or residual checks.
• ☐ Notify investment custodians and lenders
• ☐ Review and close credit cards; request a final credit report
• ☐ Cancel subscriptions and digital accounts
• ☐ Store all records securely for future reference
Emotional & Practical Support
• ☐ Reach out to a grief counselor, therapist, or support group
• ☐ Inform employers, schools, and community groups of the passing
• ☐ Assign a family spokesperson for updates and coordination
• ☐ Take time to rest — healing is a process
In the Following Months
• ☐ Revisit your own estate plan and beneficiary designations
• ☐ Review insurance coverage and household cash flow
• ☐ Meet with your CPA for final and estate tax filings
• ☐ Hold a family meeting to discuss longer-term financial adjustments
Helpful Contacts
Organization Phone Number Notes
Social Security 1-800-772-1213 Survivor benefits
Administration
Veterans Affairs 1-800-827-1000 Burial or survivor benefits
Credit Bureaus Equifax 800-685-1111 Deceased alerts
Experian 888-397-3742
TransUnion 800-916-8800
Funeral Home ______________________
Financial Advisor ______________________
Attorney ______________________
When you’re ready, your LJR Financial team is here to help you navigate the financial steps that follow, from
settling accounts to creating a plan for your next chapter. You don’t need to have all the answers today; together,
we’ll move forward thoughtfully and at your pace.
LJR Financial LLC | 1021 W Commodore Blvd. Jackson, NJ | www.ljrfinancial.org | (732) 267-3507
Guiding You Through Life’s Financial Seasons
Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers
LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity