For now

Locate the will and important documents

Start gathering the key documents you'll need over the coming weeks: the will, any trust paperwork, life insurance policies, bank and investment statements, deeds, titles, military discharge papers (if they were a veteran), and recent tax returns. Check a home safe, a filing cabinet, an email inbox, and any safety deposit box. You don't need everything today. You just need to know where to look.

What you'll need

A certified copy of the death certificate (to open a safe deposit box)
Proof you're named in the will or are next of kin
Keys, codes, or passwords for their safe, computer, and email

Good to know

Start with their advisor: If they had a specific attorney or financial advisor, that person often has a copy of the will and can point you toward accounts you may not know about.

Get help with this

Why we recommend Sunset

Sunset searches for life insurance, 401(k)s, and bank accounts in their name, at no charge.

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Sunset

At no charge, helps families find and transfer life insurance, 401(k)s, bank accounts, and more.

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