When someone dies, families often spend weeks trying to locate accounts, documents, contacts, and instructions. This guide outlines practical steps and what to gather.
Notify close family and anyone who needs to know. Contact a funeral home to make arrangements and to obtain copies of the death certificate. You will need multiple certified copies for banks, insurers, and government agencies.
Locate the will and any trust documents. Gather insurance policies, account statements, property deeds, and vehicle titles. Having these in one place speeds up the process and reduces stress.
Make a list of every place money is held or owed:
Email, financial logins, utilities, and social media accounts often need to be located or closed. If the person left a list or instructions, use it. Otherwise, check their email and browser for account sign-ups and statements.
Families struggle when information is scattered. Missing accounts can mean missed benefits or unpaid bills. Clear records and instructions reduce guesswork and help everyone move forward.
Local Legacy Vault helps people organize contacts, documents, accounts, and step-by-step instructions in one place on their own computer. When the time comes, family members are not left guessing where things are or what to do next.
If you're preparing information ahead of time, see the Family Information Checklist for the types of details loved ones may need.