After a Death
Where to begin
When someone dies, there is no single list that fits every family — but there is an order that helps. Start with confirmation, safety, and the few decisions that need attention soon. Everything else can be handled step by step, with help.
This page gathers our calm, non-commercial checklists for the days and weeks after a death. Start with the overview that fits your situation, then use the task-specific guides as each one comes up.
Start with the overview
Step-by-step tasks
Focused guides for the specific jobs that come up in the first weeks.
How To Get a Death Certificate
Who orders it, how many certified copies to request, and where each one is needed.
BenefitsHow To Notify Social Security of a Death
Reporting the death, stopping payments correctly, and asking about survivor benefits.
MoneyWhat Happens to Bank Accounts
Joint accounts, payable-on-death beneficiaries, frozen funds, and what not to touch yet.
AccountsCancel Accounts and Subscriptions
Closing services in a safe order and guarding against identity theft after a death.
Settling the estate
If you have been named executor, or you are the person who ended up in charge.
What Does an Executor Do?
The three core duties, why creditors come before beneficiaries, and when you are personally liable.
ProbateWhich Assets Go Through Probate?
What skips probate entirely, what does not, and the half-truths about trusts and joint ownership.
TaxesTaxes After a Death
The final 1040, the estate's 1041, the estate's EIN, and why estate tax almost never applies.
Interactive tools
Two things that are easier to work through than to read about.
Before a crisis
If you are trying to prepare before a death rather than respond to one.
Printable organizers
Last Reviewed
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
These checklists are general information, not legal, tax, financial, or funeral advice. See our disclaimer.