Losing a loved one comes with emotional challenges, but families also have practical responsibilities to handle.
They may need to contact banks, insurance companies, utility companies, lenders, employers, and other organizations that dealt with the deceased, in addition to arranging the funeral and handling personal property.
These notifications help companies keep their records up to date and tell you what you need to do about accounts, benefits, payments, subscriptions and outstanding balances. Handling these tasks promptly can also prevent unnecessary fees, missed deadlines, or questions about who has authority to manage an account.
Identifying accounts can be intimidating, especially if there are many accounts. However, families can make it more manageable by working through the process step by step. The following measures can help families organize their responsibilities and notify the appropriate companies after a death.
Make A List Of Companies And Accounts
First, determine which companies and organizations should be notified of the death. This provides a clean slate and helps families ensure they aren’t missing key accounts.
Begin with the deceased’s bank statements, emails, mail, financial records, insurance documents and other paperwork. You can also use recurring payments to identify companies to contact.
The list can include:
- Banks and credit unions
- Credit card companies
- Mortgage and loan lenders
- Insurance companies
- Investment and retirement account providers
- Utility companies
- Internet and phone providers
- Employers
- Subscription services
- Members of organizations
With a deceased notification, families can formally let a company know that someone has died and ask what documents or procedures are needed to close, transfer or update the account.
Gather The Required Documents
Gathering key documents before notifying the company can help things go smoothly and prevent unnecessary delays.
Many companies will need proof of death before they change an account. In some cases, you may be asked to submit a certified copy of the death certificate, and the account information and identification of the person providing the notification of death.
Some organizations may also require documentation confirming that the person contacting them has the authority to act on behalf of the estate. Depending on the circumstances, this could be executor or administrator paperwork, trust documents or other legal documents.
Families should ask each company what they need, rather than sending the same information to each company. This helps protect sensitive information while ensuring the notification can be processed.
Notify Banks And Financial Institutions
Contact banks, credit unions, investment firms, and other financial institutions so they can explain how to handle the deceased person’s accounts.
The correct procedure may vary depending on how each account was titled. An account owned jointly or in a trust may be treated differently from an account owned by one individual.
Families also need to review automatic deposits and withdrawals. Regular bills may continue to be charged, while certain payments or benefits may need to be redirected or stopped.
When you call a financial institution, ask what the next steps are, what documents you need, and whether the account has any transfer-on-death or beneficiary arrangements. It’s good to have a written record of these conversations to make following up later easier.
Contact Insurance Companies
Notify insurance companies of the death, so they can tell you what to do next for each policy.
This might be life insurance, health insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, or auto insurance. The process depends on the type of policy and whether another person will use the insured property or vehicle.
Life insurance may require a family or beneficiary to file a claim and provide documentation before paying benefits. Other policies may need to be canceled, transferred or put on hold.
Families should read the policy documents and deal with the insurer directly, rather than assume that every policy should be canceled immediately. You may still need some insurance while an estate is being settled.
Notify Utility And Service Providers
Call utility and service companies to find out whether accounts need to be transferred, kept, or canceled.
These companies may provide electricity, gas, water, internet, telephone, security, waste collection, or other home services. What happens next may depend on whether the deceased person’s home will remain inhabited, be sold, or be left vacant for a period of time.
For example, a family member moving into the home may need to take over the utility account in their name. However, if the property is being prepared for sale, some services may need to be maintained for a short period.
Families should also check whether these services are paid automatically. This can help prevent unnecessary payments from continuing after the account should have been changed.
Contact Creditors And Lenders
Notify creditors and lenders to let them know what will happen with the deceased’s outstanding debts.
These can include credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, medical bills or other obligations. But family members are not automatically liable for the deceased’s debts. Liability can depend on joint accounts, co-signing, account terms and applicable laws.
When you contact the creditors, ask how they handle reporting a death and what balance is left. Keep copies of correspondence and make notes of the important details of each discussion you have.
Contact The Employer
Contact the deceased person’s employer to find out if any wages, benefits, insurance or funds in a retirement account are still available.
The human resources department can explain what may be available to beneficiaries or the estate and identify any required forms or documents. Families should also consider professional organizations or memberships that may offer benefits.
Review Subscriptions And Recurring Payments
Review your subscriptions and recurring payments so you don’t keep paying for unnecessary charges. Check bank and credit card statements for recurring charges for things like streaming services, memberships, software, delivery services and more.
Some accounts may need to stay active for a period of time, especially if they have important information.
Keep a record of canceled or transferred services to make follow-up easier.
Keep Detailed Records Of Every Notification
Families should keep a record of each company they contact and what they do.
You can keep this information in a simple spreadsheet listing the company, account number, date contacted, documents submitted, representative’s name and confirmation number. This makes it easier to follow up on accounts that are still open or require further information.
Families should also confirm unusual requests for personal or financial information by contacting companies directly through their official channels.
Conclusion
Notifying companies after a death involves several practical steps, but families don’t have to do everything at once. Listing your accounts, collecting documents, and working through your financial institutions, insurers, service providers, creditors, and employers can help organize the process.
Keeping detailed records throughout the process is just as important. It helps families see which notifications are complete, which accounts still need attention, and what to follow up on. By systematically working through each company, families can address these tasks and free up time to focus on other estate-settlement matters.
