Losing a parent is incredibly emotional — and on top of grieving, you may find yourself needing to manage their financial and legal affairs.
It can feel overwhelming, but knowing the steps can help you move through the process more smoothly.

First Steps to Take

1. Get Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate
   You’ll need official copies to handle financial accounts, insurance claims, and legal matters.
2. Locate Important Documents
   Find their will, trust documents, insurance policies, property deeds, and financial records.
3. Secure Property and Assets
   Make sure their home, vehicles, and valuables are safe to prevent loss or damage.

Handling the Estate

• Is There a Trust?
  If your parents created a living trust, the successor trustee can immediately begin managing and distributing assets without court involvement.
• Is There Only a Will?
  If there’s only a will, the estate will usually go through probate — a court-supervised process that can take several months.
• No Will or Trust?
  If there’s no estate plan, the state’s intestacy laws will determine how assets are distributed.

Key Actions to Take

✅ Contact an Estate Attorney — to help guide you through the legal steps.
✅ Notify Financial Institutions — including banks, insurance companies, and pension funds.
✅ Pay Immediate Expenses — such as funeral costs, mortgage payments, and utility bills.
✅ File Final Tax Returns — for your parent’s income and the estate, if required.
✅ Distribute Assets — according to the trust, will, or state law.

Important Reminders

• Take Your Time: You don’t have to do everything immediately.
• Get Help: It’s okay to ask for professional guidance or lean on family members.
• Take Care of Yourself: Grief is real. Give yourself grace and support during this time.

Key Takeaways

✅ Focus first on immediate tasks like securing assets and gathering documents.
✅ Trusts help you avoid probate, while wills usually require court involvement.
✅ Professional guidance can ease the stress and protect your family’s future.

Need help settling your parents’ estate or navigating next steps?
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EZ Living Trust is a division of Strategic Choices Financial, Inc. Neither is a law firm and cannot provide legal or tax advice. The information on this site is for informational and educational purposes only.

Strategic Choices Financial, Inc, dba EZ Living Trust is registered as a Legal Document Assistant in Los Angeles County, CA #987456, and is licensed and bonded.