Who to Contact When Death Occurs
It is a wise move to notify the credit bureaus so they can put a death notice on the person's credit report. This helps prevent identity thieves from using their credit history. In order to place this request you will need to mail a copy of the person's death certificate to each of the three bureaus at these addresses:
Equifax
P.O.Box 9530
Atlanta, GA 30348
Experian
P.O.Box 105069
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
P.O.Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
You should also contact any financial institutions that the deceased had accounts with. Credit cards, loans, savings accounts, investment accounts and more will all need to be notified. The best method is usually to call the general customer service number. If that doesn't work, try contacting the fraud and identity theft center for assistance. When credit cards are closed, the balance should be paid by the estate.
Contact the Social Security Administration and any other government agencies or benefit program that may be making payments to the Decedent. (Note that the payment for the month of death will not be made by the Social Security Administration and others.)
Review the Decedent’s financial affairs and look for any estate planning documents, such as Wills and Trusts, along with any other relevant documents, including:
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Funeral and Burial Plans;
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Safe Deposit Agreements and keys;
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Nuptial Agreements;
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Life Insurance Policies
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Existence of Trust;
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Pension-retirement benefits;
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Old tax returns;
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Prior Gift Tax returns;
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Marriage, birth and death certificates;
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Divorce documentation;
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Computer records regarding books of a business or personal assets;
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Bank statements, checkbooks, similar documents;
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Notes receivable;
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Titles to motor vehicles;
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Leases;
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Securities and list of securities;
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Any documentation of business ownership or business interest;
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Health Insurance - make claims for the final illness; and
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Unpaid bills.
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If there is a Will, take the Will to the appropriate County or City office to have it accepted for probate.
Administering the Will - If the Will is properly drawn, it will name a Personal Representative (also known as Executor or Executrix). The Personal Representative, who can be an individual, a group of individuals or one or more institutions, or a combination of the aforementioned, will be responsible for the administration of the Estate of the Decedent.
