Planning

What To Do When a Loved One Dies

Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and it isn't easy to know where to start. This list can help guide you through the steps you need to take.

Worksheets and frequently asked questions are available in our downloadable guide.

Notify important parties immediately

Close family members and friends
Be sure to make arrangements to care for any dependents and pets if necessary.
Funeral home
Discuss arrangements and obtain a list of information needed to complete the death certificate.
Minister, rabbi, or other religious cleric

Secure property

Locate and secure any keys and vehicles
Locate banking statements from all financial institutions
Change the locks on the residence
Secure valuables
Dispose of all perishables in home and vehicles
Change address through the United States Postal Service

Locate important documents

Will
Death certificate
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Death certificate for pre-deceased spouse
Divorce decree
Burial contracts or prearrangements
Military or Veterans’ Affairs (VA) documents (for example, Military Discharge DD-214)
Life insurance policies
Ownership records for real and personal property (for example, certificate of title, deed, etc.)

Helpful tip

Funeral homes often provide copies of the death certificate. If your loved one was a resident of North Carolina, contact the Register of Deeds in the county where they passed away, or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Office of Vital Records in Raleigh if more copies are needed.

If your loved one was not a resident of North Carolina, contact the Office of Vital Records in the decedent’s state of residence.

Income & benefits

Decedent’s employer to discuss unpaid wages and other benefits
North Carolina and other state retirement system
Social Security Administration
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Life insurance companies

Service providers

Utility companies
Internet and cable provider
Subscription services

Court

Clerk of superior court

Others

Executor named in the Last Will and Testament or the estate planning attorney who will help settle your loved one’s estate, if applicable
Agent under decedent’s Power of Attorney (POA becomes void at death)
Credit union and other financial institutions
Credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
Department of Motor Vehicles to cancel the decedent’s driver’s license
Registrar of Voters
Any religious, fraternal, and civic organizations of which your loved one was a member

More information

Losing a loved one is devastating, and all of us at State Employees’ Credit Union want to extend our deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. We also understand that settling their affairs at this moment can be overwhelming, but please know that we are here as your trusted financial services provider to help you navigate your next steps. For more information, contact your local branch or call (888) 732-8562.

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What To Do When a Loved One Dies

Notify important parties immediately

Secure property

Locate important documents

Helpful tip