What Do You Need to Do After a Parent Dies?

 Posted on December 13, 2024 in Estate Planning

Losing a parent is a life-altering event that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. Alongside processing your grief, there are practical and legal steps you must take to manage their estate and honor their final wishes. 

Handling these responsibilities can be emotionally and logistically challenging, but an experienced Texas estate planning attorney can guide you through the process with compassion and clarity.

Notify Family and Loved Ones

The first step after a parent's passing is to notify close family members, friends, and others who may need to know. It is often helpful to ask someone you trust to assist with this task, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. Sharing the news can also provide an opportunity for loved ones to offer emotional support.

Get a Death Certificate

You will need several copies of your parent’s death certificate to handle various aspects of their estate. These can typically be obtained through the funeral home or the vital records office in the county where your parent passed away. Be sure to request multiple certified copies, as many institutions require an original for verification.

Find Estate Planning Documents

If your parent had a will, trust, or other estate planning documents, it is essential to locate them as soon as possible. These documents will outline your parent’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets, guardianship of any minor children, and other critical details. If you are unsure where these documents are stored, check with their attorney or financial advisor.

Secure Property

Take steps to secure your parent’s home and other belongings. This might involve locking up the house, notifying neighbors, and arranging for mail to be forwarded. Ensuring the property is safe can help protect against potential theft or damage during this transitional period.

Notify Financial Institutions and Agencies

Contact your parent’s bank, insurance companies, and other financial institutions to inform them of the death. Additionally, notify the Social Security Administration, credit card companies, and any relevant government agencies. Many of these organizations will request a copy of the death certificate to update their records.

Begin the Probate Process

If your parent had a will, it usually needs to be filed with the local probate court to begin the legal process of administering the estate. If there was no will, the estate will be distributed according to Texas’s intestacy laws. Probate can be complex, involving asset inventories, debt payments, and beneficiary distributions.

An estate planning attorney can simplify this process by ensuring all legal requirements are met and advocating for your interests during probate proceedings.

Handle Debts and Taxes

You will also need to identify and settle any outstanding debts your parent may have had. This includes medical bills, mortgages, and credit card balances. Additionally, estate taxes may apply in certain cases. An attorney can help you navigate these financial obligations, ensuring you fulfill your responsibilities while protecting your inheritance.

Contact a Flower Mound, TX Estate Planning Attorney

If you are navigating the loss of a parent, a Denton County, TX estate management attorney at Colbert Law Group PLLC can help you manage the legal and practical aspects of their estate. Our compassionate team is here to provide guidance and support during this difficult time. Call 972-724-3338 today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help ease your burden.