The death of a spouse is devastating. Losing a spouse unexpectedly as a result of a natural disaster, accident or pandemic can be especially difficult. During such an emotional and difficult time, even just paying bills can seem overwhelming – but it's important to ensure the deceased spouse's financial wishes are carried out and the surviving spouse is covered financially.
Death of a Spouse



Paperwork
Gathering the proper paperwork is the first step in settling your spouse's affairs. Start with the following:
- The Deceased's Will – Work with an attorney to review the deceased's will, or if there is no will, discuss the next steps. In some countries, making wills might not be a common practice. Consult a legal expert to confirm the standard procedures of inheritance in your region.
- Death Certificate – The death certificate will be needed for many financial procedures you will encounter. You should request several copies.
- Complete List of All Properties – A list of real estate, stocks, bonds, savings accounts and personal property will be needed.
- Insurance Policies – These will help you determine if you are entitled to any benefits.
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for Dependent Children
Get Your Finances in Order
Use the paperwork you gathered to claim the following:
- Life Insurance Benefits – Most likely, the company will pay the proceeds directly to the named beneficiary in either a lump sum, fixed payments or as interest payments on a larger amount. It may take several weeks for you to receive payments. If your spouse is named as your beneficiary on your life insurance policy or retirement plans, you should take this time to name another beneficiary.
- Employee Benefits – Your spouse may have had life insurance, a pension plan, vacation or sick pay and other benefits to which you're entitled. Contact the human resources director at your spouse's workplace for a list of benefits.
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