Losing a loved one in the Fort Worth area is never easy. Unfortunately losing loved ones is also inevitable and something that people will have to go through at some point in time. Knowing this fact does not make it any easier when it does occur though. There is certainly an emotional part of the process, but while people are grieving, they also need to go through the process of figuring out what to do with the possessions that people leave behind.
This process is known as the estate administration process. It is something that must occur whether the loved has a will or trust or died without either. This can be a long process and will certainly take time, but there are some steps that people should take after loved ones pass away to help start this process.
Steps to take after a passing
First it is always important to take time to grieve the loss of a loved one. This is an ongoing process though and is different for every person. Next people need to start planning the funeral. Then people should start gathering important documents such as a Will (and notify the executor of the will), bank account information, stock certificates and other important documents.
People will also need to obtain copies of the death certificate. The copies that people obtain will be used to notify banking institutions, the carriers of life insurance policies, the social security administration, pension plans, credit card companies and other creditors and other places that would affect the person’s finances.
These are just the initial steps that people need to take in Texas, but as stated before it can be a long process before the debts have been paid and the property distributed to the appropriate people. Many times the estate will have to go through the probate process, which can be complicated. Experienced attorneys understand this process though and may be able to guide one through it.
