Moving Forward Financially After the Loss of a Loved One
Even as you work through your grief, there are some important financial tasks to take care of along the way. Here is a framework to use as a starting point.
The loss of a partner or family member is a life-changing event laden with intense emotions. Whether the death is sudden or precipitated by an illness, the loss is just the same — real and painful.
There are no rules about how you should feel or how long it will take you to regain your energy and capacity to move on. Grief is difficult to avoid as well as the avalanche of financial and legal undertakings that will require your immediate attention.
However, there are several actions that can ease this process and help you to get back on track financially.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
A Checklist of Tasks to Complete
After you've attended to the emotionally charged events of funeral preparations and services, it can be helpful to take a step back and prioritize.
Some tasks will be more pressing than others. Here’s a checklist of what you will need to address in short order.
- Collect Social Security number, birth certificate, marriage certificate and military discharge papers.
- Get at least 10 copies of Death certificates — each death claim will need to be accompanied by an original copy of the death certificate
- Notify the Social Security office of the death and file a Social Security benefits claim form to qualify for the death benefit. The official Social Security death benefit is just a one-time $255 payment. However, Social Security survivor benefits are much more important as they provide family members with monthly payments that sometimes last for the rest of their lives.
- Locate car title(s).
- Get current statements for bank, brokerage and retirement accounts.
- File the person’s will with your local Probate Court (or have your attorney file it). If your loved one did not have a will, that person is dying “intestate.” Their heirs will have no say over any of the deceased’s assets and their estate goes into probate, which is a legal process to decide who will inherit what.
- Obtain letters testamentary from the local courthouse (attorney can obtain). This is a document issued by a court of public or official authorizing the executor of a will to take control of the deceased person’s estate.
- File a death claim with the person’s life insurance company, if applicable.
- Check with the Employer’s Benefits department about survivorship pension, health insurance, unpaid salary, life insurance benefits, if applicable.
- Prepare a preliminary monthly budget and income summary.
This is a stressful time, especially if the surviving partner did not play an active role in the finances. If you don’t have an existing relationship with an attorney, accountant or a financial planner, seek the advice of a trusted friend or family member who can recommend one. If you have a working relationship with one or more of these professionals, it is time to assemble your team to tackle the next set of actions.
- Retitle joint accounts into your name.
- It is commonly recommended to keep a joint checking account for at least a year — to deposit checks made payable to the deceased. However, this may not be true in all cases.
- Transfer any inherited IRA into your name and take out a required minimum distribution, if applicable. Assign new beneficiaries.
- Update deeds for any real estate joint held with rights of survivorship.
- File a federal estate tax return within nine months. Some states have earlier deadlines for estate returns.
Overcoming Grief Takes Time
The loss of a loved one can bring with it immense pain and suffering, particularly if the death is unexpected. With such a financial burden and countless legal requirements placed on your shoulders, it can be difficult to remember that grief takes time.
Don't let the outside pressures overwhelm you. Now is the time to lean on friends and family for support. Don't rush yourself or break down with anxiety just to get the process done as soon as possible. Finances can be tricky, but not as tricky as pain. Allow the pain time to heal and you'll be able to better move on emotionally and financially.
The challenges you're facing don't have to be faced alone. There is always help available to assist you during this time of mourning. Keep in mind that financial matters can be dealt with anytime, but grief is something that cannot be controlled, so taking your time is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Securities offered through National Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through National Asset Management, an SEC registered investment adviser. Fixed Insurance Products offered through National Insurance Corporation.
-
S&P 500 Hits New High Before Big Tech Earnings, Fed: Stock Market TodayThe tech-heavy Nasdaq also shone in Tuesday's session, while UnitedHealth dragged on the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average.
-
4% and Chill? Find Out If This Distribution Rule Fits Your RetirementTake this simple quiz to discover whether the 4% Rule will work for you in retirement.
-
Oregon Tax Kicker in 2026: What's Your Refund?State Tax The Oregon kicker for 2025 state income taxes is coming. Here's how to calculate your credit and the eligibility rules.
-
I'm an Estate Planning Attorney: These Are the Estate Plan Details You Need to Discuss (And What to Keep Private)Gen Xers and Millennials would like to know if they're going to inherit (and how much), but Baby Boomers in general don't like to talk about money. What to do?
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: This Is How You Can Minimize the Damage of Bad Market Timing at RetirementPoor investment returns early in retirement on top of withdrawals can quickly drain your savings. The ideal plan helps prevent having to sell assets at a loss.
-
'You Owe Me a Refund': Readers Report Challenging Their Attorneys' BillsThe article about lawyers billing clients for hours of work that AI did in seconds generated quite a response. One law firm even called a staff meeting.
-
7 Questions to Help Kick Off an Estate Planning Talk With Your ParentsIt can be hard for aging parents to discuss estate plans — and for adult kids to broach the topic. Here are seven questions to get the conversation started
-
Down But Not Out: 4 Reasons Why the Dollar Remains the World HeavyweightThe dollar may have taken a beating lately, but it's unlikely to be overtaken as the leading reserve currency any time soon. What's behind its staying power?
-
What Not to Do After Inheriting Wealth: 4 Mistakes That Could Cost You EverythingGen X and Millennials are expected to receive trillions of dollars in inheritance. Unless it's managed properly, the money could slip through their fingers.
-
'The Money Prism' Solves Retirement Money's Biggest Headache: Here's HowThis simple, three-zone system (Blue for bills, Green for paycheck, Red for growth) helps you organize your retirement savings by purpose and time.
-
No, AI Can't Plan Your Retirement: This (Human) Investment Adviser Explains WhyAI has infinite uses. But creating an accurate retirement strategy based on your unique goals is one place where its possibilities seem lacking.
