Episode 22 – 10 Immediate Steps to Take When a Loved One Passes Away
Losing a loved one is a painful experience, and navigating the legal and financial steps that follow can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What should you prioritize? And how soon do you need to act?
In this episode of Into the Woods, host Dave Shaffer is joined by estates paralegal Deana Kilpatrick to walk through the 10 immediate steps families should take when dealing with a loved one’s estate.
From obtaining death certificates and locating the original will to collecting asset information, monitoring income sources, and managing debts, Dave and Deana provide a practical roadmap for the days and weeks after a loss. They also explain why you shouldn’t rush to remove a loved one’s name from joint accounts and share a personal reminder about the importance of giving yourself grace during the grieving process.