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In the immediate aftermath of losing a loved one, you will understandably be overwhelmed with intense emotions and a profound sense of grief and loss. During this difficult time, however, it is important to start taking care of some of the legal concerns regarding their passing. Below, Robert B. Liotta from the Law Offices of Robert B. Liotta, Esq., in Lower Burrell, PA, shares what you need to do in the following days.

What to Do After the Passing of a Loved One

1. Look for Instructions or Estate Planning Documents

Many people have specific instructions for their funeral or burial services. While some put this directive in an informal writing and leave it somewhere where it can be found relatively easily, such as a desk drawer or a safe deposit box, we include these instructions in a client’s Will and oftentimes have the original Will in storage. If you are unsure if such instructions have been written, check the decedent's paperwork and/or contact their lawyer.

2. Be Informed about Your Role

If you are the designated personal representative of the decedent’s estate, it is essential that you learn your roles and responsibilities so that wise, informed decisions can be made. You will likely be in charge of arranging the funeral and burial, so make this a priority. Amongst other things, you will also need to secure and protect the decedent’s assets, including both real and personal property. In the days to follow, your duties will sometimes feel overwhelming, and having a seasoned attorney alongside for the journey will take some of the stress away and give you the confidence and peace of mind that you are faithfully discharging your duties to the estate beneficiaries and the court.

3. Gather Asset and Debt Information

lawyerWhether or not the decedent left a will, the probate court will require that you report to it and the estate beneficiaries all of the details of the estate administration. At the outset, you will need to collect and review the decedent’s financial records to obtain the information necessary to administer the estate. Prior to estate finalization, a formal Inventory and accounting of all property and assets must be filed. Throughout the estate administration, regular attention to these details will make the process much smoother and less stressful for all involved.

4. Obtain Death Certificates

Certified Death Certificates are essential to a proper estate administration. In Pennsylvania, Death Certificates are issued by the PA Department of Health-Vital Records Division and most often are delivered to the family by the funeral director who conducted final services. Initially, you will need a Death Certificate to be appointed as estate personal representative; thereafter, most third parties will require a Death Certificate when dealing with the decedent’s final debts and assets including real estate, personal property, financial and banking accounts and insurance claims. Be sure to obtain the Death Certificate as soon as possible and have a ready store available to provide upon request

5. Notify Others of the Passing

After you let your loved ones know about the death, there are several businesses and institutions to inform as well. These include:

  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Creditors, including credit card companies and mortgage holders
  • Insurance companies
  • Post Office
  • Social Security Administration
  • Department of Veterans' Affairs, if applicable

Prompt notification can help to avoid undesirable and avoidable consequences down the road.

Volumes have been written on the proper administration of decedent’s estates and the responsibilities associated therewith should not be taken lightly. The complexity and seriousness of these matters clearly reveal the need for competent legal assistance from the outset. If you are involved in an estate issue or are considering designing your documents, contact the Law Offices of Robert B. Liotta, Esq. for prompt, courteous and professional assistance.

For almost two decades, Attorney Liotta has been providing legal representation to clients in various practice areas. Call (724) 334-9870 to schedule an appointment with the lawyer today, or visit him online for an overview of the firm.

 

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