Losing a loved one checklist

The loss of a loved one is a sad time. Anything that can be put off should be put off while you come to terms with the situation. But sometimes, financial issues may be just too pressing to ignore or postpone. So here is a guide to help you set some priorities.
The first thing to keep in mind is that your actual responsibilities and duties depend on your relationship to your lost loved one. They also depend on the state where you live and the state where your loved one lived. If you believe that the burden of immediate action may fall on you, you should consider consulting a lawyer to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
What to know when a loved one passes
If you have primary financial responsibility, here's a checklist for tasks best done sooner than later:

Gather all important financial documents

  • Will and any statements of intent for executors, trustees and guardians
  • Death certificate
  • Insurance, bank, investment and retirement account statements
  • Tax documents (state and local where applicable, as well as federal)
  • Property deeds, contracts, leases and agreements

Notify institutions responsible for payments and assets, such as:

  • Banks and trust companies
  • Life insurance and annuity providers
  • Stockbrokers and investment custodians
  • Retirement plans, pension administrators and IRA trustees
  • Social Security Administration, Railroad Retirement Board and Federal Employees Retirement System (Keep in mind that railway workers are the only private-sector employees who do not participate in Social Security. Also, while current federal employees are now included in Social Security, many federal retirees are not.)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs

If the funeral was not preplanned, set a budget for it now

  • Decide how much you want to spend, keeping in mind that you are making this decision on behalf of your loved one's estate
  • Understand what other resources may be immediately available from death benefits, family and friends
  • Determine when and where the funeral and burial should take place

Consider the executor

  • If you can determine who the executor is, consult with him or her as soon as possible about settling debts (including funeral-related expenses) and addressing the legal and tax alternatives for settling the estate
  • If there is no will or you cannot determine who the executor might be, you should consult with an attorney about how your state's laws might apply to your situation before taking any action

Some things can be put off until you are in a better frame of mind

In fact, many important decisions can be deferred (for days, weeks or sometimes months) until you feel ready to calmly evaluate your options. Here are some tasks that you can take on when you are ready:
  • If you are the beneficiary of an IRA or retirement savings plan, you will be subject to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules. How you take your RMDs will depend on your age and relationship to the deceased. Think carefully about the tax implications of the choices you have.
  • If you are receiving securities held in taxable investment accounts, your tax issues will vary depending on whether you decide to hold or sell those securities. Consult a tax advisor to understand how your choices may impact your tax situation.
  • If you already have an investment portfolio, you will probably need to determine how any newly received investment assets fit with your existing investment plans and objectives
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The material was authored by a third party, DST Retirement Solutions, LLC, an SS&C company ("SS&C"), not affiliated with Merrill or any of its affiliates and is for information and educational purposes only. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Merrill or any of its affiliates. Any assumptions, opinions and estimates are as of the date of this material and are subject to change without notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The information contained in this material does not constitute advice on the tax consequences of making any particular investment decision. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security, financial instrument, or strategy. Before acting on any recommendation in this material, you should consider whether it is in your best interest based on your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice.

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