9 to 12 Months After Death Checklist

• Create a budget. If the loss of your loved one also means the loss of substantial income, it’s important to think about a budget. By this point, you should be aware of any benefits, pensions, insurance payments, and monetary gain from the estate so you should be able to forecast your financial future. Consider retirement, future generations, and long-term care.

• Probate. If there was need for probate, it may be completed or nearing completion. Make sure to follow up on any outstanding paperwork or related tasks.

• Think about your future. You may have already started thinking about this when considering your financial circumstances. As you age, where do you want to live? If necessary, would you accept assisted living or a retirement community? Though it may be unpleasant, it’s important to consider your wishes for your future care. Creating a health care directive and speaking to your family can be very helpful.

• Consider an annual memorial. For many survivors, it’s important that their loved one is not forgotten. Some choose to remember them on their birthday, or other significant dates. You may want to consider starting an annual tradition where you can remember them and their impact on your life.

• Is it time for a change? It’s generally advisable to postpone making big decisions soon after the death of someone close to us. Grief may impair our decision making. By now, you may be ready to see if there’s any big changes you may want to make. Perhaps you want to downsize your household or maybe you’d like to move across the country or even abroad. You may want to consider such decisions if you’re at this point.

Contacts

• Probate court

• Financial planner/retirement planner

• Family and friends

The contents of these tools and checklists are intended to provide helpful suggestions to a family member or other survivor who has assumed the duties of concluding the affairs of a loved one/decedent. The list is not intended to be exhaustive. It is not intended to provide legal or financial advice nor to be relied on in lieu of such services. If you have specific questions relating to an estate you are handling, you may find it helpful to consult with a probate attorney or financial professional.

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