Guidance

Guidance for Survivors

After the death of a loved one, families are not only faced making funeral arrangements, but also settling the final interests of the deceased and their estate. Below we have created a list to help families with the most common items that need to be attended to. Depending on the personal interests of the deceased, there may be more items than listed and we always recommend that families contact an attorney for legal help. 

  1. Obtain copies of death certificate. Your funeral director will give guidance on how to obtain them. While some places require certified copies, others may accept a photo copy. It is important to look over information on the death certificate as soon as possible so corrections can be made if necessary.
  2. Notify banks and credit unions to remove deceased’s name off of accounts. Some credit unions also supply life insurance so make sure to ask if there are any policies recorded.
  3. Notify employers and check on any insurance, survivor’s benefits, profit sharing, and pensions which may be due to you.
  4. Notify life insurance companies and apply for the death benefits. If the death was accidental or work related, there may be additional benefits available to you. Some life insurance companies offer to assign proceeds directly to a funeral home to pay funeral expenses.
  5. If the deceased is listed as a beneficiary on any insurance policies, bank accounts, pensions, their name will need to be removed.
  6. We will notify the Social Security Administration of your loved one’s passing. Please check with the Social Security Administration for any benefits that may be due to you or your family. Their phone number is 1-800-772-1213. Depending on when a person’s monthly income is deposited, the administration may take it back. It is wise to leave all deposited funds alone until it is confirmed whether or not they can be kept.
  7. Check with any labor unions or fraternal organizations that your loved one may be a member of. They may have certain survivor benefits due to you.
  8. If your loved one is a veteran, their survivors may be eligible for certain benefits. Please contact the Midland County Veterans Service Office at 1-989-832-6843 to learn more about these benefits.
  9. Get any medical statements as soon as possible so you know what is owed. In some situations, medical expenses are tax deductible.
  10. Keep financial records of monies going in and out. Be sure to collect all debts that are owed to the deceased. Pay all bill as soon as possible.
  11. File spouse’s will in Probate Court within 30 days following death. There is no probate on joint property. You can contact Midland County Probate Court at 1-989-832-6880 if you have any questions on this. Sometimes an estate needs to be created and an administrator appointed.
  12. Transfer real estate deeds, vehicle titles, stocks, and bonds out of the deceased’s name.
  13. Make a review of your present financial situation and meet with your financial advisor to help you plan for the future. It is also advised that you inquire about insurance for yourself as prior coverage may expire upon your loved ones passing. This is also a good time to review wills, trusts, funeral plans, etc. for yourself and make any necessary changes.
  14. Don’t make any major decisions such as the sale of property for a few months after the death of your loved one. Sometimes people regret the decision made during a difficult time in their life.