Surviving Spouse Financial Checklist

These steps can help you streamline the estate settlement process after the death of a loved one. Ensure your spouse's wishes are honored and the surviving spouse's needs are met.

• Wills, Trusts and Related Documents
  Locate and review your spouse's will or trust documents.
  Other related documents include divorce settlement documents or child support orders, if your spouse was previously married.
  
  
• Employer-Sponsored Plans—Contact your spouse's employer to learn about retirement plans (profit sharing, pension, 401(k), 403(b), ESOP) in which (s)he was participating.
  
  
• Financial Accounts, Assets and Liabilities
  Identify your spouse's financial assets and obligations, including checking, savings and brokerage accounts, pensions, retirement programs and life insurance. Obligations include mortgages, auto and personal loans and unpaid credit card balances.
  
  
• Transfer Assets to Beneficiaries
  Contact all the institutions holding the financial assets you've identified. Each will have its own set of requirements on how to transfer assets to beneficiaries. Most will require copies of a death certificate.
  
  
• Property Deeds, Titles and Documentation
  Locate and review property deeds and titles to real property such as cars and boats.
  
  
• Insurance Policies
  Identify and review all insurance policies (e.g., life, home, auto, and personal property) your spouse owned and notify the respective companies of the death.
  Many carry additional benefits in the event of accidental death—some life insurance policies may double the policy coverage amount. Contact the insurance companies to ensure that the property will still be covered while you manage your spouse's affairs.
  
  
• Tax and Legal Advice
  Meet with the estate's executor or attorney to discuss legal and tax issues associated with settling the estate.
  
  
• Notification of Credit Card Companies
  Notify your spouse's credit card companies of the death and cancel his/her cards. Be sure to ask whether there are any death benefits associated with the card. Many companies provide accidental death insurance, which pay off credit balances in the event of a death.
  
  
• Social Security Benefits and other benefits
  Research and apply for any Social Security, medical or other benefits that may be available to you as a surviving spouse.