How to Notify After Someone Dies

The executor of the estate will need to notify certain people and organizations after someone dies. This is the first step toward settling the person’s affairs. Note that some organizations may require information (such as a customer number) about the person’s accounts. In this case, we recommend you gather the following important documents before notifying organizations of the person’s death.

First, Gather Important Documents

You can use these records to find reference information, such as customer and policy numbers as well as Medicare information.

Some important documents to look for are:

• A will
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Property deeds and mortgage papers
• Home loan details (latest statement of loan account containing details about finance for the property owned by the person who died)
• Lease (setting out legal entitlements for a rented property)
• Taxation records (with details of income and assets)
• Insurance policies (for example, home, contents, and car)
• Life insurance policies
• Savings account details (showing where the savings are kept)
• Any documents about prepaid funeral arrangements or burial plots.

Some organizations may require a copy of the death certificate before they take action.

A Checklist of Whom to Contact After Someone Dies

• Doctor
• Funeral director
• Family and friends
• An executor of Will (if it’s not yourself)
• Clubs
• Minister of religion
• Pallbearers
• Newspapers (for obituary)
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Social Security Administration
• Employers and pensions
• Banks, credit unions, etc.
• Insurance
• Hospital
• Social worker
• Health professionals (dentist, specialists)
• Health benefits fund
• Medicare
• Landlord
• Utility companies (telephone [mobile and land], electric, gas, water, waste)
• The cable company and Internet provider
• Vehicle registration and licensing
• Voter registration office
• Accountant and financial planner
• Lawyer
• Public services (library)
• Post office

Not sure what to write? Here is a sample letter informing people of a death.

Sample Letter

To Whom it May Concern

I wish to inform you of the death of Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms

Surname:
Given name:
Date of birth:
Street address:
City:
State:
ZIP Code:
Date of Death:

I understand the above had dealings with your organization.
The reference/account number for your organization was:
Please amend your records.
If you need to contact me for further information, my name is:

Street address:
City:
State:
ZIP:
Telephone number:
Email address:
Relationship to the deceased:

Signature
Date