Checklist: Losing a loved one
Original copy of death certificate
Will
Property deeds, titles, and documentation
Divorce or child support documents
Military discharge papers
Insurance policies
Trust documents
Social Security numbers
(yours and the deceased's)
Marriage certificate
Birth certificates of minor children
Credit card account numbers and statements
Certificates of deposit
Real estate deeds
Mortgage and other loan statements
Retirement account statements (IRAs,
401(k)s, pension plans)
Nonretirement account statements
(brokerage, mutual fund, annuities, etc.)
Current bank statements
Employer equity compensation plan
statements (stock options or restricted stock)
Health insurance policies
Household budget documents (utility and
service bills)
Employer equity compensation plan
statements (stock options or restricted stock)
Beneficiary information on financial accounts
and insurance
Tax records
Vehicle records including titles and loan
documents
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield,
RI 02917 © 2021 FMR LLC. All rights reserved 909963.2.0
Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice. The information herein is general in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax
professional regarding your specific situation.
Records to gather and review
Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. We understand this may be a difficult and
overwhelming time, particularly with so much to deal with over the coming days and weeks. To
help you get organized, we’ve created this checklist to help you gather documents and keep track
of all the little things that need to be done.
Not everything here will apply to your situation, so use this as a guide. And remember, we’re here
to help. Fidelity has additional resources to support you through this and other complex life events.
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield,
RI 02917 © 2021 FMR LLC. All rights reserved 909963.2.0
Steps to consider in the first 2 weeks
Find the will and submit to probate
Locate trust documents and insurance policies
Contact attorney, financial advisor, and tax advisor
Get legal and tax advice for your own personal situation
Forward mail
Contact the Social Security Administration
Contact employer about benefits and workplace savings plans; if there is an equity compensation plan ask
about time-sensitive elements
Ask the employer about continuing medical benefits
For private health insurance policies, contact the insurance company to remove your loved one from a
family policy, buy a new policy, or cancel the policy
Contact Medicare
If there are minor children, notify their school
Steps to consider in months 1–3
Pay special attention to IRAs
Notify banks, brokerages, and other financial institutions
Contact credit card companies
The executor may need to open a bank account for the estate
Contact other lenders, for instance if there is a car loan
Contact insurance companies, including life insurance, home, auto, and personal property
Notify the 3 credit bureaus
Contact the mortgage company, if applicable
Cancel memberships, subscriptions, and services
The information herein is general in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation.