After the Service

After the Service

After the funeral has ended, and after sitting Shiva there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be done.

Some Institutions will ask for a copy of a death certificate, and some will not. When a person dies in the state of New Jersey you can expect to receive your certificates in about 7 to 10 days after the funeral. If a person dies in another state it can take a few days longer.

This is a list of things we have compiled that shows you what most families have to handle. Not all of these will be applicable to you but It’s a great place to get started.

Family Follow-Up Checklist

  • Send acknowledgement cards for memorial donations, food and sympathy cards.
  • Transfer all real estate properties.
  • Apply for widowed person exemption
  • Notify insurance companies: health, life, and auto.
  • Apply for Social Security survivor benefits 1-800-772-1213 – Social Security will be notified by Louis Suburban Chapel.
  • Apply or Veteran’s burial and survivor benefits.
  • Pension benefits.
  • Notify accountant/tax preparer ( unless attorney is preparing final tax returns).
  • Notify Stockbroker.
  • Change ownership of joint or solely owned stocks.
  • Check on IRA and retirement accounts.
  • Transfer Bonds.

  • Notify Bank.
  • Change all jointly held accounts and correct tax identification numbers.
  • Cancel direct deposit retirement benefit payment notes.
  • Re-establish title to safe deposit box.
  • Re-establish all outstanding mortgages and personal notes.
  • Notify Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer titles of all registered vehicles, mobile homes, and boats registered in the deceased name.
  • Cancel deceased driver’s license.
  • Notify all jointly held credit card account companies.
  • Cancel all individually held credit cards of the deceased.
  • Change all jointly held accounts
  • If a will must be probated, contact your attorney.
  • Cancel deceased’s voter registration.

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