DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

certificates are easier to obtain from the mortuary when thefuneral arrangements are made.• File with the probate court within 30 days, if necessary.• Contact banks/trusts (to change names on accounts),employers (to check on any available benefits), SocialSecurity, etc. If the deceased had a safety deposit boxrented in their name only, a court order will be required toopen the box.• Contact credit card companies to ensure accounts arecancelled if the deceased is the only name on the account.• Check on insurance policies (e.g. life, health, mortgage,auto, etc.), any 401Ks or profit sharing plans, V.A. benefits,etc.• Consider pets, mail and utilities if the deceased lived alone.• If the deceased is listed in your will to receive certainproperty, it’ll need to be changed. (And mention this toother family members in case they have left property to thedeceased too.)156 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325