Effective July 1, 2026, German Law in Grand Forks, ND merged with Thompson Law in Sioux Falls, SD. Going forward, both offices will be under the Thompson Law name and continue to serve their clients and communities with excellence.
Things You Need To Do When a Loved One Passes Away With a Will - Thompson Law, PLLC

Thompson Law, PLLC

Estate & Business Planning Attorneys in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls

605-362-9100

Grand Forks

701-738-0060
Estate Planning Attorneys Licensed in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska

Things You Need To Do When a Loved One Passes Away With a Will

Upon the death of a loved one, great emotional sadness sets in as family and friends support each other during this time of loss. After finding a firm emotional foundation, it is time to address the task of administering the estate set up by the deceased.

Included below is a brief list of the actions which you or your Personal Representative and Trustee should take immediately upon death. (Many of these actions may similarly be required in the event of incapacity). This is not intended as an exhaustive or detailed explanation of all actions which should be taken. Rather, it is for use as a checklist to help the appointed representatives step in and handle as expeditiously as possible those items which demand immediate attention.

  1. Consider advising any surviving family member who is alone to telephone a friend who can share the next few hours. Shock and trauma due to the death of a relative can take unexpected forms.
  2. Notify a funeral director and clergy, and make an appointment to discuss funeral arrangements. Request several copies of decedent’s death certificate, which you’ll need for his or her employer, life insurance companies, and/or decedent’s attorney for legal procedures.
  3. Contact by phone and notify the immediate family, close friends, business colleagues and employer.
  4. Locate the decedent’s important papers. Gather as many of the decedent’s papers as possible, and continue to do so for the next few weeks.
  5. Contact our office for a consultation or notify the attorney who will be handling the decedent’s affairs. Make an appointment immediately because a tax return may be due within nine (9) months of death. This meeting is important to review decedent’s estate planning documents and to discuss state and federal death taxes that may be payable. The attorney will also determine the extent to which it is necessary or advisable to open a probate estate. (In the event of incapacity, the attorney may suggest additional steps which should be taken for estate planning purposes, particularly if death is imminent.)
  6. Record in a small ledger all money you or the immediate family spends. These figures may be needed for tax returns.
  7. Remember that a surviving family member may be in a highly emotional state. Therefore, they should avoid entering contracts for anything, and avoid spending or lending large sums of money. For our clients, consult the section of the Portfolio entitled “Other Documents” before proceeding further.
  8. DO NOT CHANGE THE TITLE OF ANY ASSETS! This can create unnecessary problems for you. Please contact our office for a consultation before you start this process.