Helpful Guide

√ Notify life insurance companies of death. They will generally send claims forms to you to be completed and returned with a certified copy of death certificate.

√ Cancel direct deposits that are made in the name of the deceased.

√ Revise the titles on your home, cars, and other titled property.

√ Contact your bank or credit union to change ownership of checking, savings, and other accounts.

√ Although we will notify Social Security of each death, contact Social Security about surviving spouse benefits if this applies.

√ Contact Veteran’s Administration about any benefits that may be due to you if applicable.

√ Arrange to update your will or trust.

√ Change beneficiaries of your life insurance, bonds, stocks, etc.

√ Should you consider saving your loved ones the burden you have just experienced by pre-planning your own services, please feel free to contact us.

Guide to Certifieds

This list has been compiled to help you determine who may require a certified copy of the death certificate in order to complete you, business
transactions.

  • Life Insurance – 1 copy for each policyholder
  • Banks, credit unions and saving & loans
  • Real Estate – 1 copy for each county in which property is owned
  • Secretary of State – for ownership of motor and marine vehicles
  • Stocks – 1 copy per broker or company held
  • Bonds
  • IRA – 1 copy for each institution where funds are maintained
  • Certificates of Deposit – 1 per institution
  • Pension – 1 copy per fund holder
  • Probate – 1 copy given to attorney where estate is to be probated
  • Income Tax – 1 copy each for Federal, State and Local
  • Trust – consult your trust officer

Feel free to download this form and print it off for your reference.