What to Do After a Loved One Dies: A Guide and Checklist
Introduction
If you’ve been named executor/personal representative (Minnesota’s term) or successor trustee, you’re now responsible for securing property, collecting documents, notifying agencies and insurers, locating assets and debts, and starting probate or trust administration. Use the checklist below to move step-by-step and reach out if you need help.
Who this guide is for (and key terms)
Personal Representative (PR) (often called “executor” elsewhere): The court-appointed person who administers a probate estate in Minnesota.
Successor Trustee: The person who takes over management/distribution of assets titled in a trust.
Estate/Trust Administration: The legal and financial process of paying final expenses and debts, then transferring money and property to the correct beneficiaries.
You’re doing a hard job during a hard time. Take care of yourself first, then work through this list at a steady pace.
Quick-Start Checklist (Minnesota-focused)
1) Secure property & paperwork
☐ Secure the home, vehicle, and valuables. Change locks if needed; safeguard firearms, jewelry, and sensitive files.
☐ Organize vital papers. Look for the original will, trust, life insurance, titles/deeds, bank/investment statements, tax returns, and a contact list for advisors. Originals matter—especially the will.
2) Control the flow of information
☐ Forward the mail. File a USPS change of address so bills and statements reach you.
☐ Collect digital access. Inventory email, cloud storage/photos, social media, online banking/investing, and subscription logins (if lawfully accessible).
3) Order proof of death early
☐ Obtain multiple death certificates. Banks, insurers, and government agencies will request them; having extras prevents delays.
4) Notify agencies & stop future charges
☐ Social Security Administration: Report the death to prevent overpayments and explore survivor benefits.
☐ Medicare/Medigap/Part D: Close or update coverage to stop billing.
☐ Employer HR/Payroll: Ask about final wages, unused PTO, and employer life insurance.
☐ Insurance carriers: Health, life, auto, homeowners/renters, umbrella, and any specialty policies. Gather claim forms now; formal actions often wait until you’re appointed PR/trustee.
☐ Family tree with contact info. Include spouse/partner, children (adult/minor), parents, siblings, and any other heirs under Minnesota law—even if not named in a will or trust.
☐ Beneficiaries named in documents (friends, charities, churches, schools).
10) Reduce identity-theft risk
☐ Notify major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) of the death; request a deceased flag.
☐ Shut down or memorialize social media and major online accounts.
What happens next? (Probate vs. Trust in Minnesota)
Probate (personal representative): If assets are titled solely in the decedent’s name without beneficiary or TOD/POD designations, you’ll likely need to open probate in the Minnesota county where they lived. The court appoints the PR and issues Letters authorizing you to act.
Trust administration (successor trustee): For assets titled in the trust, the trustee follows the trust’s terms—collects assets, pays approved expenses, accounts to beneficiaries, and distributes property. Some non-trust assets may still require probate.
Unsure which path applies? Bring your documents. We’ll map assets by title and beneficiary and give you a Minnesota-specific game plan.
Common mistakes to avoid
DIYing the legal process. Minnesota has specific rules, notices, timelines, and accounting requirements. Small errors can trigger conflicts, court delays, or personal liability.
Paying the wrong bills first. Some debts have priority; others can be negotiated or must wait.
Commingling funds. Open an estate or trust account instead of using personal accounts.
Distributing too soon. Verify debts, taxes, and holdbacks before making final distributions.
FAQs
Is “executor” the same as “personal representative”? Yes. Minnesota uses personal representative (PR) instead of “executor.”
How many death certificates should I order? Plan for several. Financial institutions, insurers, and government agencies often each need one.
If there’s a trust, do we still need probate? Often less probate is needed, but any assets not properly titled to the trust (and without beneficiaries) may still require probate.
Can I pay bills before I’m appointed? Limit payments to immediate necessities (e.g., funeral costs, urgent utilities/insurance). Larger or unsecured debts should wait until you’re formally appointed and advised on priority.
What if I can’t find the original will? Bring any copy you have and we’ll discuss options. Probate of a copy can be more complex.
Do digital accounts matter? Absolutely. Email, cloud storage, and online statements are essential for locating assets and closing subscriptions.
What to bring to our first meeting
Government ID; multiple death certificates
The original will and any trust (plus amendments)
Recent statements for bank, investment, retirement, and loans
Insurance policies; employer HR contacts
Last 2–3 tax returns; CPA info
Family/beneficiary list with contact details
Keys, deeds, titles—anything that proves ownership
You’ve got this
You don’t have to do everything at once. Work the list, keep detailed notes, and ask for help when you hit a snag. We guide personal representatives and successor trustees across Southeast Minnesota every day—farm families, business owners, and everyone in between. We’ll help you avoid missteps and move forward with confidence.
To learn more about estate administration and the role of the Successor Trustee or Personal Representative, keep an eye on our Events page located at: https://www.wagnerlegalmn.com/events/.
If you need assistance after a loved one has passed, or you would like to discuss your estate plan, please contact us to get started.
What to Do After a Loved One Dies: A Guide and Checklist