Checklist: Steps to Take after Your Spouse Dies

Don't make any life-changing decisions.

Now is not the time to make any significant, financial decisions. While it is entirely reasonable to want to sell a home or other property that reminds you of your spouse, wait. For some, paying off the mortgage makes sense, while for others maybe not. (For more on that, please see Should a Widow Pay Off Her Mortgage?) Also, avoid making any additional investments or large purchases, especially if you were not actively involved in your family's finances before the death. Give yourself all the time you need to mourn first.

Request certified copies of the death certificate.

You will need certified copies of your spouse's death certificate to prove the passing of your spouse and to claim benefits or to switch over accounts into your name. Ask the funeral home for at least a dozen or more copies. You may also need certified marriage certificates to prove you were married to the deceased.

Speak with your spouse's employer.

If your spouse was working at the time of his or her death, make a point to contact the employer to see if there are any benefits you are entitled to have, including a 401(k) or employer-based insurance policy. If you and your dependents' medical insurance was covered by your spouse's job, make sure you know how long the coverage will last to give yourself time to make other arrangements.

Call your spouse's insurance company and file a claim.

Make sure you have all the documentation in order before contacting the insurance company to avoid frustration and wasted time. Be sure to understand the benefit options, there may be more than one way to claim a life insurance benefit.

Probate your spouse's estate.

First you want to locate the will. Generally, it’s filed with an attorney, or in a safe deposit box. Contact the attorney for a reading and for help in settling the estate. If your spouse died without a will, things could get complicated. Most people can benefit from asking for professional legal and financial advice in this situation.

Gather the financial records.

Start collecting the financial records, including banking records, bills, credit card statements, tax returns, insurance policies, any outstanding mortgages or loans and retirement accounts. If your spouse did not have an organized file system, this might take a long time. You may need to call companies directly and provide proof of your spouse passing before being able to gain access to the accounts.

Switch over accounts and cancel credit cards.

If your spouse was the sole name on an account, such as a utility, or a subscription service, such as a mobile phone, make sure to change the name if you want to keep the service, or terminate the account if you don’t. Get a copy of your spouse’s credit reports so you’re aware of all debts in your spouse’s name. (The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.)

Ask to have a notification in the credit report that says “Deceased — do not issue credit,” so new credit is isn't taken out in their name. As a surviving spouse, you may not be responsible for the payment of credit card accounts held by your spouse alone, and many credit card companies will write off the debt owed to them. However, the laws differ in community property states, such as Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Here the surviving spouse may be responsible for the credit card debt. A local attorney can help.

Contact government offices.

Have your spouse's Social Security number handy and call the Social Security Administration office to find out what you need to do to receive survivor benefits. Doing this as soon as possible can help prevent long delays before you get your next Social Security payment, and you may even qualify for a one-time death benefit of $255. If your spouse served in the armed forces, you might be eligible for additional benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, so contact your local branch office.

Switch emergency contact information.

Change any of your or your family members' emergency contact information that had your spouse's name or number listed as someone else's primary point of contact.

When you lose a loved one, your world is turned upside down. On top of all the grief there are the financial issues that land in your lap. While I would not recommend rushing any major money decisions, some issues just cannot wait. A checklist is a good way to help with the immediate tasks. However, I recommend a financial plan to help with the larger issues, like planning for retirement or evaluating Social Security claiming strategies. If you are uncomfortable handling the financial responsibilities or need a second opinion, an experienced fee-only financial adviser can help.

For more financial planning insights for Widows and Widowers, please visit my website at www.survivorplanning.com.