Financial Matters:

• If there is a will, the executor will be responsible for carrying out all the financial decisions:
  
  • Obtain Grant of Probate (gather assets, pay all outstanding debts including funeral expenses, inheritance taxes, and distribute the rest as written in the will)
• If there is no will, the closest relative or surviving spouse will be responsible for all financial matters (seek legal advice if unsure):
  
  • Seek legal advice for large estates
  • Local Probate Office will have the forms you will need to obtain Letters of Administration (include all financial information on form
  • Include the following financial information on the forms, then bring the forms back to the Probate Office with the death certificate)
  • Gather all financial information of loved one and learn what was owned by them (do not include joint accounts - such as private bank accounts, trusts, stocks and bonds, personal property, business assets
  • Find out about monies owed to your loved one (includes worker salaries)
  • Note beneficiaries on insurance policies
  • Find out what other payments are owed by your loved one (ie: mortgage, utilities, credit cards, etc.) Some creditors may cancel debts if they have an insurance clause.
  • Distribute your loved ones assets

  Hire a Funeral Director (they will be responsible for all aspects of funeral, including cremations & burials). Some things to think about:

• Decide on a time and place for the funeral.
  
• Select pallbearers.
  
• Be sure to bring someone with you for support and clear thinking.
  
• Decide whether you will accept flowers (if so, make plans for after the service), or decide on another memorial for donations (ie: charity).
  
• Prepare a list of people to thank and acknowledge for their (calls, flowers). Many Funeral Directors perform this service.
  
• Will you have a burial or cremation?
  
  If Burial:
  
  • Ask questions if you are unsure of anything; there are many things you may prefer not to do.
  • The following are some of the many fees involved in a burial (ask Funeral Director if unsure): Cost of grave, cost of digging the grave, fees for burial, service, music, headstone & inscription, funeral director, etc.
  If Cremation:
  
  • Services are short, and you may feel rushed.
  • You will be asked whether you want to keep the ashes (in an urn), or have them scattered in a special place.

  Invite others to your home or another place after the funeral service.

• Make arrangements for food and drinks.
  

  Other people to contact if your loved one was living alone: utility companies, landlord or mortgage company, post office, neighbors, etc.