What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away

Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences. During this time of grief, you may feel overwhelmed by the practical matters that need attention. Please know that it's often best to take things one step at a time, and you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

 

We've created this guide to help you understand the immediate steps you'll need to take in the days and weeks following your loss. While every situation is unique, these guidelines can provide a helpful roadmap during a challenging time.

 

The First 24-48 Hours

 

In the immediate aftermath of losing a loved one, there are a few essential tasks that require your attention:

 

Contact a funeral home or cremation service. Once the death has been pronounced, you'll need to arrange for your loved one to be transported to a funeral home or cremation facility. If your loved one had pre-planned arrangements, this process will be more straightforward. The funeral home will also help you obtain death certificates, which you'll need for many of the tasks ahead, and will also typically notify Social Security Administration for you.

 

Notify close family and friends. While difficult, reaching out to immediate family members and close friends is important. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to help make calls or send messages on your behalf if this feels too overwhelming.

 

The First Few Weeks

 

After the initial shock begins to settle, you can turn your attention to these important matters:

 

Locate important documents. Look for your loved one's will, trust documents, insurance policies, financial account information, and property deeds. These may be kept in a safe, filing cabinet, safe deposit box, or with their attorney. If your loved one worked with our office, we can help you access any documents we have on file.

 

Secure the property. If your loved one lived alone, make sure their home is secure. Consider having mail held or forwarded, adjusting utilities, and ensuring valuable items are safe. Keep paying the mortgage and other property-related bills to protect the asset.

 

Order death certificates. You'll need multiple certified copies of the death certificate for insurance claims, financial institutions, and government agencies. Most people need between 10-15 copies. Your funeral director can help you obtain these.

 

Contact Your Loved One’s Attorney. If your loved one worked with an estate planning attorney to draft their trust or will, it is often best to reach out to that attorney to assist you with the administration of your loved one’s trust or estate. If your loved one’s attorney has retired or is not local to you, our office is happy to assist with your administration needs.

 

Notify relevant parties. You'll need to inform Social Security, the Department of Motor Vehicles, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and your loved one's employer (if applicable). Each institution has its own process for handling accounts after a death.

 

Understanding the Legal Process

 

This is where many families feel most uncertain, and it's why professional guidance can be so valuable.

 

Depending on whether your loved one had a will, a trust, or no estate plan at all, the path forward will look different. If there's a trust, the successor trustee will need to administer it according to its terms. If there's only a will, the estate may need to go through probate court. Even with a trust, certain assets may require probate or trust administration procedures.

 

The type of assets involved, how they were titled, and whether there are named beneficiaries all affect what needs to happen next. California's probate and trust administration laws have specific requirements and timelines that must be followed. While this might sound complex, you don't need to figure it all out on your own.

 

How We Can Help

 

Our office has guided countless families through the trust administration and probate process. We understand that you're dealing with grief while also facing legal and financial complexities. Our role is to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

 

During an initial consultation, we can:

• Review your loved one's estate planning documents and explain what they mean
• Determine whether trust administration or probate is necessary
• Outline the specific steps required in your situation
• Provide an estimated timeline for the process
• Answer your questions in plain language
• Help you understand your responsibilities and options

 

Every family's situation is different, and we take time to understand your unique circumstances and concerns. We'll work efficiently to help you fulfill your loved one's wishes while protecting the interests of all beneficiaries.

 

Moving Forward at Your Own Pace

 

There's no "right" way to grieve, and there's no need to rush through everything at once. Take care of the immediate necessities, then give yourself permission to handle other matters as you're ready.

 

The legal and financial aspects of settling an estate can seem daunting, but with experienced guidance, the process becomes much more manageable. We're here to shoulder the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most—honoring your loved one's memory and taking care of yourself and your family.

 

If you've recently lost a loved one, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our office. We'll review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand the path forward. Call us at (805) 495-3444 or navigate to our online scheduler on our website to schedule a meeting with one of our qualified attorneys. You don't have to navigate this alone. We're here to help.

 

Please note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Consult with a qualified attorney at Pederson Law Offices for advice on your specific circumstances.