by Kristen Ishihara and Chris Parker with Ishihara & Parker Law Firm PLLC

Losing a loved one is tough, and on top of the emotional weight, there are also a lot of practical steps to take. It can be overwhelming, so today we’re walking through the process of what needs to be done after someone passes away. This isn’t a cold, step-by-step legal guide—just real talk about what to expect and how to move forward.

Getting the Ball Rolling

Once someone passes away, there are a few things you want to start handling right away. First, if your loved one had life insurance, their job is to make sure the right people get paid at the right time—but it’s a process. You don’t have to wait for the death certificate to start notifying them. Call the insurance company, let them know, and ask what they need from you. You’ll likely need to submit a claim packet with a death certificate, but at least you’ve got the process moving.

The same goes for Social Security and any pensions they may have. You want to notify these organizations as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary payments that might have to be pulled back later. If you can get a bank statement from the person who passed, it’ll help you figure out what income was coming in and what expenses need to be canceled or switched over.

Notifying the Right People

Every company and institution has its own process, so it’s good to make a list of who to call. Here are some key places to start:

• Life insurance – They won’t give you info over the phone, but they’ll send claim paperwork to the listed beneficiary.
• Social Security & pensions – Notify them to stop payments and apply for any survivor benefits.
• Utilities & bills – If the deceased’s name is on a utility bill, cable, or anything else, you’ll need to either transfer it to your name or cancel it.
• Banks & financial institutions – If they had a bank account, loan, or credit cards, those need to be addressed.
• Estate-related professionals – If you’re the executor, you’ll want to meet with an attorney and possibly a CPA.

What About the House?

If the deceased lived alone, securing the residence is a priority. Once that’s done, the next steps depend on the situation. If there are multiple heirs, you’ll need to decide how to divide personal belongings. If the house will be sold, you may want to hire an estate sale company and start talking to a realtor.

If probate is involved, an attorney will help guide you through the process. In some areas, probating a will can take as little as 30 days. In the meantime, you can start preparing for an estate sale or real estate listing. If you have siblings, it’s best to arrange a time for everyone to go through the house together and make decisions about sentimental items. Having a solid estate plan in place ahead of time can save a lot of stress and avoid potential conflicts.

Managing the Estate

Once the house and assets are handled, you’ll be operating an estate account. Any proceeds from selling the house or other assets go into this account. Before distributing anything to beneficiaries, you’ll need to cover any outstanding debts, probate costs, and any necessary tax filings. Speaking with a CPA will help ensure everything is handled properly, especially if estate taxes are involved.

One often-overlooked step is checking for unclaimed funds. You’d be surprised how often people forget about money owed to them. In Texas, for example, you can check the official website for unclaimed property. Just make sure you’re using the real site and not a scam!

A Few More Things to Keep in Mind

• Retirement accounts – If your loved one was over 73, check whether their required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year has been taken out. If not, you may need to take action.
• Organizing documents – Keeping track of paperwork and making a to-do list will make things much easier as you go through this process.
• Lean on professionals – An attorney, CPA, and realtor can make the process much smoother, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

Wrapping Up

Dealing with a loved one’s passing is never easy, but having a plan helps lighten the load. By notifying the right people, securing the home, and working through the estate process methodically, you can make sure everything is taken care of. The key takeaway? Start the process early, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll catch you next time!

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