Death of a Loved One

There is no need to tackle all of this now. Most of these tasks can wait until you’ve had time to breathe.

If your loved one used Gentreo, their important documents, account information, insurance details, trusted contacts, passwords, and personal wishes may already be organized in their Gentreo Digital Vault, helping you spend less time searching and more time focusing on what matters most.

If you’re responsible for settling the estate

• If your loved one named you as Executor, Personal Representative, or Trustee, you’ll have important responsibilities ahead. When you’re ready, review your next steps in Becoming Executor.
• Gather important documents, account information, insurance policies, and contact information into your Gentreo Digital Vault so everything is organized and easy to find when you need it.

Apply for benefits and claims

Some benefits may be available to surviving family members.

• Contact Social Security about any survivor benefits that may apply.
• Check for pension benefits through a former employer.
• If your loved one was a veteran, look into available VA survivor and burial benefits.
• File life insurance claims when you’re ready; the insurance company will guide you through the process.
• Store claim numbers, benefit paperwork, and related documents in your Gentreo Digital Vault so they’re available whenever you need them.

Close accounts and stop ongoing charges

This is one of the most overlooked parts of settling an estate.

• Make a list of bank, investment, credit card, and loan accounts.
• Close or transfer accounts as needed over time.
• Cancel subscriptions, memberships, streaming services, and other recurring services.
• Stop automatic payments that are no longer needed.
• Review email accounts and online services to identify bills and subscriptions that may otherwise continue.
• Keep a record of account closures, conversations, and confirmation letters in your Gentreo Digital Vault.

Manage digital accounts

Much of life now lives online.

• Locate important digital accounts, passwords, and online records.
• Decide which accounts should be closed, memorialized, or preserved.
• Save important photos, documents, family stories, and records before closing accounts.
• Gather digital information into your Gentreo Digital Vault so it remains available to the people who need it.

Notify important organizations

As you’re able, begin notifying the institutions that need to know.

• Contact banks, credit unions, and investment firms.
• Notify credit bureaus to help protect against identity theft.
• Update insurance companies, government agencies, and other organizations as needed.
• Keep copies of notices, confirmations, and correspondence in your Gentreo Digital Vault for future reference.

Less stress. More living.

Gentreo is not a law firm or a substitute for a law firm or attorney or an attorney’s advice. Gentreo provides self-help services at your specific direction.