Losing a loved one is overwhelming. Alongside grief, families are often faced with complex legal, financial and administrative responsibilities at a time when clarity and support are needed most.
The United States After-Death Checklist provides a clear, compassionate roadmap for navigating what to do when someone dies in the United States. Written in plain English, this practical guide helps you understand each step, avoid costly mistakes and ensure nothing important is overlooked.
Unlike many bereavement guides, this book explains both federal requirements and highlights where state laws may differ, helping families confidently navigate one of life's most difficult experiences.
From the first few days after a death through to final estate administration, this comprehensive U.S.-specific guide explains what needs to be done, who to contact and what deadlines matter most, helping you stay organised during an incredibly difficult time.
Inside this guide, you will find:- Immediate steps to take after a death, including obtaining certified death certificates and arranging a funeral.
- Who to notify, including the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, the IRS, state agencies, employers, financial institutions and other key organisations.
- A comprehensive guide to Social Security survivor benefits and how to maximise your entitlements.
- Probate explained in plain English, including estate administration, small estate procedures and when probate may not be required.
- What happens if someone dies without a Will, including state intestacy laws and inheritance rights.
- Guidance on inherited IRAs, 401(k)s, HSAs and retirement accounts, including the rules beneficiaries need to understand.
- Life insurance claims, employer death benefits, pensions, savings bonds, Treasury securities and other financial assets.
- Finding unclaimed property, dormant bank accounts, forgotten pensions, retirement benefits and other overlooked assets.
- Digital legacy planning, including Facebook, Google, Apple, LinkedIn, PayPal, Amazon and other online accounts.
- Practical checklists, key contacts and trusted resources to help keep everything organised from start to finish.
This updated 2026 edition includes the latest guidance on Social Security survivor benefits, inherited retirement account rules, federal estate tax thresholds, digital asset management, unclaimed property resources and other important developments that families often discover too late.
Whether you are coping with a recent bereavement, acting as an executor or administrator, or planning ahead to protect your loved ones, the United States After-Death Checklist provides practical guidance, trusted information and reassurance when it matters most.
Written by Wayne Hutchinson and Nadeen Swaby, founders of Handle My Affairs, this guide combines professional knowledge with lived experience of loss. Their approach is compassionate, practical and focused on empowering families with clear, reliable information when they need it most.
Please note: Laws relating to probate, inheritance, estate administration, taxation and other legal matters vary from state to state. This guide explains federal rules and common state practices but is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional legal, financial or tax advice specific to your circumstances.
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