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Beyond Wills & Estate Planning
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    • Home
    • First Steps
    • Death Planning
    • Funerals, Etc.
    • Financial Details
    • Real Estate
    • Digital Footprint
    • Subscriptions
    • Shared Stories
    • Checklists
    • About Us & Site Policies
UnexpectedPassing.com

Beyond Wills & Estate Planning
  • Home
  • First Steps
  • Death Planning
  • Funerals, Etc.
  • Financial Details
  • Real Estate
  • Digital Footprint
  • Subscriptions
  • Shared Stories
  • Checklists
  • About Us & Site Policies

Wills & Lawyers

The estate lawyer - the one that completed the will for the deceased - will be your new best friend!

He or she will provide you and/or the executor/executrix with all the necessary guidance to deal with the assets of the estate and to get the estate settled - no matter how large or small the estate is.

  

Tax Identifier

One of the first steps will be to obtain a tax identification number, or TIN, for the estate from the IRS. The lawyer will then inform you that a new bank account needs to be opened to hold the assets of the estate. In most circumstances, it makes sense to follow their recommendations as to where the account should be opened.

Odds & Ends

My story

I found that the estate lawyer is an incredible resource for helping you address innumerable questions and situations. 


As it turned out, I was in Tennessee, dealing with an estate in New York, and there was a box of sterling silver and silver-plate cutlery in my friend's estate. The beneficiary had to be asked if she wanted this item; her response was negative. We were instructed to sell the cutlery, and the lawyer was able to recommend a dealer for this process, saving me considerable research to address something of relatively small value.

Taxes

Even with death, you can't escape taxes. And, unfortunately, the process doubles!

Taxes will need to be completed for the deceased, as well as for the estate. 


If the accountant who handled the taxes prior to the person's death is willing to continue in that capacity, then by all means, continue to use that person or firm. Otherwise, your new best friend - yes, the estate lawyer - will likely be able to make a recommendation for a professional who will meet your needs. 

HINT: Working with Estate Lawyers and Accountants

With all the positive experience I've had  working with estate lawyers and accountants, I would recommend that you be as proactive as you can. 


They deal with multiple clients/estates at the same time and gentle nagging is important to continue the forward momentum to bring the process to a close.

For More on First Steps

Who's In Charge

The very first question when you learn of the death of a loved one, is who is in charge of carrying out their final wishes. 

More

Paperwork

Are there any personal papers clarifying their final wishes? 

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Notifications

Call immediate family and close friends first!

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Care Arrangements

Are there children or pets that need immediate attention? 

More

Other Featured Sections

Deaath Planning

Financial Details

Deaath Planning

Personal details

Detailed guide to prepare or fulfill final wishes

More

Funerals, Etc.

Financial Details

Deaath Planning

New Orleans Jazz Funeral

Where do you start? Physical remains, funeral options, death certificates, memorial services, etc.

More

Financial Details

Financial Details

Financial Details

Bank accounts, investments, pensions, property, etc.

Next hurdle - how to handle financial records and accounts

More

Real Estate

Digital Footprint

Financial Details

Home & Property

Key reminders on securing residences - owned or rental, apartments or houses - after a loved one's death

More

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Social Media & Digital Presence

What you need to know to protect and eliminate the deceased's digital presence

More

Subscriptions

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Magazine subscriptions, memberships and more

Don't forget subscriptions, memberships and more

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Shared Stories

Shared Stories

Shared Stories

Funny, helpful and special stories that others have shared to help you through the process

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Checklists

Shared Stories

Shared Stories

For each section, download and personalize a pdf checklist

More

When I Leave You & First Steps Checklist

When I Leave You - Our Preplan document


First Step checklist

When_I_Leave_You (pdf)

Download

First_Steps_Checklist (pdf)

Download

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