TASKS TO BE FACED AT THE TIME OF BEREAVEMENT 

     Upon the death of a spouse, a widow or widower must face a host of tasks and decisions at a time when they feel least like assuming them.

     If they are fortunate, the process can be made a bit more bearable by the presence of a supportive network of family, friends and professionals.

     Those who have not yet faced this awesome trial in life at least can have preparedness on their side. Husbands and wives should always know details of each other's finances, insurance, funeral wishes, the location of important papers, and so forth. The better the organization and communication during the lifetime, the easier it will be for the survivor, regardless of who dies first.

     Although it is among the most undesirable tasks in life, getting one's affairs organized to be used after your death will greatly relieve the burden faced by your family. It is only smart planning to make sure you have a legal will. Another good idea is making burial plans with the funeral director and paying for your funeral ahead of time, thus relieving your family of one ordeal.

     It is important to have a prepared list of phone numbers, account numbers, etc. so they will be readily accessible to the surviving spouse.

     The following are some of the most important ones:

• WILL INFORMATION:

  • Location

  • Name and address of solicitor

  • Name and address of executor or executors

  • Name, address, and phone numbers of witnesses

  • Safe deposit box number, location, and key

   

• BANKS:
  The name, branch and phone number in which your accounts are located, as well as the account numbers.

  • Current account

  • Savings account

  • Mortgages

  • Trust Funds

   

• SOCIAL SECURITY INFORMATION:

  • Social Security information phone number

  • Social Security number

  • Employment Record

   

• CHARGE ACCOUNT NUMBERS:

  • Department Stores

  • Bank Credit Cards

   

• INSURANCE INFORMATION:

  • Company name

  • Agent's name, address, and phone number

  • Policy numbers

   

• CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO WHICH YOU BELONG:

  • Name

  • Contact person's name and phone number

   

• INVESTMENTS:

  • Financial Consultant's name and phone number

  • Stocks

  • Bonds

  • Premium Bonds

   

• OTHER IMPORTANT PAPERS:

  • Power of Attorney

  • Income Tax Returns

  • Birth Certificate

  • Marriage Certificate

  • Divorce Papers (if applicable)

  • Passport

  • Property Ownership Papers

  • Car Title

  • Burial Plot/Funeral Arrangements

  AFTER THE LOSS OF A SPOUSE
   

  1. Locate the will. Most are kept either at home, in a safe deposit box, or with a lawyer.
      

  2. If you are named executor of the will, you may feel the need to contact a solicitor for further assistance. However, if it is a simple will, small estate and/or no possibility of it being contested, you may want to probate the will yourself.
      

  3. Be sure to obtain several copies (at least 10) of the death certificate.
      

  4. Locate Life Insurance policies and file claims, and remember to include the death certificate with all claims. Photocopies of death certificates are not acceptable.
      

  5. Claim benefits from employer/former employer. These benefits would include pension, profit sharing, group life insurance, or health insurance.
      

  6. If there is any property in your spouse's name alone, it will need to be transferred. If the property is in both of your names, then nothing needs to be done. In the event you decide to sell, you will need to present your spouse's death certificate when changing the deed.
      

  7. If the title of the car is in your spouse's name alone, or in both of your names, it will need to be retitled in the survivor's name. This does not need to be done immediately. You are given the grace period of the remainder of the current registration period plus one additional period before you must retitle the car. The AA, RAC can help you with this as well as most Notaries Public.
      

  8. Retitle stocks and bonds in your own name.
      

  9. Locate your spouse's shareholdings and notify the custodian of your spouse's demise so that any further distributions will be made in the proper name.
      

  10. Contact any unions, fraternal organizations, or clubs that your spouse belonged to and notify them of their death. Also, check to see if there are any benefits that you are entitled to with their organization.

  11. If your spouse was a member of the armed forces, there may be benefits such as widow's or children's compensation, pensions and death benefits available for surviving family members. Some of these benefits are obtainable upon request. Others have restrictions such as income, age, and service dates, etc. Check with the British Legion.

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