After-Loss Guidance: Your Step-by-Step Checklist

This After-Loss Guidance Checklist offers gentle, practical support for families navigating the first year after a loved one’s passing. Organized into three simple phases, it helps you manage immediate tasks, legal and financial matters, and moments of remembrance. From securing important documents to settling the estate and preparing for your own future plans, this guide provides a clear, compassionate roadmap during a difficult time.

The First 30 Days

The first month after a loss can feel especially heavy. It’s often filled with both grief and urgent responsibilities.

Be kind to yourself, take breaks, and ask for help when you need it.

▪️ Obtain Certified Copies of the Death Certificate: You'll need these for financial institutions, government agencies, and other organizations.

▪️Notify Social Security Administration: Report the death to stop benefits and inquire about survivor benefits.

▪️Secure the Property of Your Loved One: Ensure the home, vehicles, and valuables are safe; consider changing locks if necessary.

▪️Arrange for Care of Dependents and Pets: Ensure immediate needs are met for any individuals or animals dependent on the deceased.

▪️Locate Important Documents: Find wills, trusts, insurance policies, property deeds, and financial records.

▪️Notify Employer and Other Relevant Organizations: Inform them of the death and inquire about any benefits or final pay.

▪️Begin Probate Process(if necessary): Consult with an attorney to understand the steps involved.

▪️Forward Mail: Contact the post office to redirect mail, preventing identity theft and ensuring important documents are received.

The First 3-6 Months

This phase is often about settling financial and legal matters while adapting to a “new normal.”

There’s no rush. Take each step as you’re ready.

▪️ Meet with a Financial Advisor or CPA to Review Tax Implications: Seek financial expertise early to avoid tax surprises or penalties.

▪️ Review the Will or Trust with an Attorney: Revisit the will/trust documents to ensure everything is being administered properly.

▪️ Decide on the Future of the Home or Property: Begin conversations around the family home or property, as these decisions take time.

▪️ Cancel or Transfer Utilities, Subscriptions, and Memberships: Think through and identify all services that may still be billing (utilities, phone, subscriptions).

▪️ Organize Financial Records and Paperwork: Encourage gathering and organizing important documents—this will be helpful for taxes and peace of mind.

The First 6-12 Months

Time doesn’t erase grief, but it can bring clarity and healing. These later steps

focus on closure, reflection, and preparing for the future.

▪️Explore Grief Resources: It is important and beneficial to seek support groups or professional counseling to guide you through this journey of grief and healing*

▪️Celebrate Important Dates: It is important to be intentional in honoring your loved one by acknowledging key dates. Grief can resurface around birthdays, anniversaries and other meaningful dates.

▪️Update your Own Will or Estate Plan: This is a good time to think about updating your own legal and financial plans to reflect new circumstances.

▪️Create a Memorial or Legacy Project: Finding creative ways to celebrate and remember your loved one by building a lasting tribute that feels meaningful to you (e.g., photo album, bench, scholarship).

▪️Inform Relevant Institutions: Think through institutions that may need to be notified to prevent identity issues or fraud (DMV, Social Security, voter registration, pension providers).

▪️Close the Estate with Your Attorney: Closing the estate legally may take time and coordination with legal counsel.

▪️Begin Documenting Your Own Final Arrangement Wishes: Gently begin to reflect on and record preferences for your own funeral, cemetery or memorial plans, easing future burdens for your loved ones.