Prevent identity theft

1 in 3 people get their identity stolen after they pass. We offer a service where you can fill out a 5-minute form to prevent thieves from stealing your loved one's identity and assets.

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Run an asset search

If you cannot find all of your loved one’s accounts and properties with the other methods (tax report, credit report, talking to others who knew your loved one), you may want to get a professional asset search.

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Call current and/or former employer(s) to identify benefits

Because a spouse or beneficiary might be able to receive money or other benefits from a current or former employer, this step is particularly important.

finding documents, settling affairsJennifer GoodOctober 2, 2019finance, finding documents & accounts, financial and property, medical and legal, legacy and funeralComment

Identify assets on last two year's tax returns

This is important to ensure that you find all of the assets that the deceased person had. It also makes sure that no taxable income falls through the cracks

finding documents, settling affairsJennifer GoodOctober 2, 2019finance, finding documents & accounts, financial and propertyComment

Run a credit report & request a freeze

Running a credit report can help you find accounts that you might not have known your family member had. You should also freeze all accounts to prevent someone from opening new accounts, thereby preventing identity theft.

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Collect and secure other useful documents

There are many other financial, insurance, and legal documents that you may need throughout this process.

finding documents, settling affairsJennifer GoodOctober 2, 2019finance, finding documents & accounts, financial and property, legacy and funeral, medical and legalComment

Next steps if there is no will

If someone dies without a will, it is called dying "intestate." This means that the laws of the state where the deceased person lived will determine how property (including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and personal belongings) is distributed among family members.

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Find and secure the will, other important documents, and assets

The documents a deceased family member leaves behind may prove crucial to having the process of end of life tasks run smoothly. Below is a list of documents you’ll need to secure, and some tips on where to look.