What to Do After Spouse Dies

When a Spouse Dies: What You Need to Know and Do Next

The death of a spouse is devastating. On top of the emotional weight, many are caught off guard by the sheer number of decisions and tasks that follow. From handling legal paperwork to figuring out how to pay the bills, it can feel like you're standing in the middle of a storm with no guidebook in sight.

But you don’t have to face it alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Here’s what you need to know, what you’ll need to do, and how to make sure your family is protected both now and in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

In the first few days, several important steps need your attention:

• Get multiple copies of the death certificate. You’ll need these for everything from insurance claims to bank accounts. The funeral home or county records office can provide them.

• Locate your spouse’s will or trust. If one exists, it will guide the distribution of assets. If not, the estate will be handled according to Indiana's intestacy laws.

• Contact the Social Security Administration. If your spouse was receiving benefits, those will stop. You may be eligible for survivor benefits.

• File life insurance claims. Don’t wait—this can help cover funeral costs and provide immediate financial support.

Managing Finances and Estate Settlement

Adjusting to life without your spouse often means reworking your finances. Here’s where to begin:

• Notify banks, credit card companies, and investment firms. Update account ownership and remove your spouse’s name. Joint accounts may transfer automatically; individual accounts may need to go through probate.

• Inform mortgage lenders, utility providers, and insurers. Make sure bills continue to be paid and policies are kept up to date.

• Review any debts. Some may be forgiven, others might be settled through life insurance or estate assets.

• Understand if probate is required. If your spouse had only a will—or no estate plan at all—the estate may go through probate. A probate attorney can help you navigate the process.

Updating Legal and Financial Documents

Once the initial dust settles, it’s time to review and update your own legal documents:

• Change beneficiaries on your own accounts and policies. If your spouse was named, you’ll need to update that.

• Review your estate planning documents. If your spouse was your executor, agent, or trustee, you’ll need to appoint someone new.

• Check property ownership. If you owned your home jointly, you may need to update the deed to reflect sole ownership.

Planning for the Future

This is also the time to reassess your long-term plans:

• Adjust your budget and investment strategy. You may now be living on a single income.

• Look into survivor benefits. Pension plans, annuities, and retirement accounts may offer ongoing benefits.

• File a final tax return for your spouse. There may also be estate or inheritance tax issues to address.

A trusted estate planning attorney or financial advisor can help you sort through these issues and create a plan for what comes next.

Checklist for a Surviving Spouse

Here’s a simplified guide to help you stay on track during a very difficult time:

In the First Week

☐ Get 10–15 copies of the death certificate
☐ Notify close family and friends
☐ Contact the funeral home and plan arrangements
☐ Locate the will or trust documents
☐ Notify your spouse’s employer (if applicable)
☐ Contact Social Security Administration
☐ Secure the home and valuables

Within the First Month

☐ File life insurance claims
☐ Notify banks, credit unions, and financial advisors
☐ Contact credit card companies and close or update accounts
☐ Review and update joint accounts
☐ Inform mortgage, utility, and service providers
☐ Begin the probate or trust administration process
☐ Meet with an estate planning attorney

In the Next Few Months

☐ Update your own will, trust, and powers of attorney
☐ Reassign beneficiaries on retirement accounts and insurance policies
☐ Retitle any jointly owned property
☐ Review your budget and income sources
☐ Consider meeting with a financial advisor
☐ File your spouse’s final tax return
☐ Explore survivor or pension benefits

Protect Your Spouse Before It's Too Late

Losing your spouse is hard enough. But leaving your loved one unprepared for what comes next can add even more stress and confusion during an already painful time. At Vick Law, we help families in Greenwood and across Indiana get their affairs in order—so that when the time comes, your spouse isn’t left scrambling. Contact Vick Law today.

Reach out to Vick Law today to schedule a consultation.
We’ll help you put a plan in place, so your spouse won’t be left facing a mountain of decisions alone.

Let’s bring clarity—and peace of mind—to your planning.

Key Takeaways

• Gather essential documents immediately: Death certificates, wills and trust documents are needed to settle financial and legal matters.
• Notify financial institutions and government agencies: Social Security, banks and insurance providers must be informed to update accounts and process benefits.
• Review estate planning and beneficiary designations: Updating wills, trusts and account beneficiaries prevents complications in the future.
• Manage property ownership and debts carefully: Contact mortgage lenders, creditors and utility companies to settle outstanding obligations.
• Plan for financial stability: Adjusting to a single income requires reviewing budgets, investments and tax considerations.

Reference: Principal Financial Group (Dec. 19, 2023) "What to do when your spouse dies: a financial checklist"