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Things to Do When Your Loved One Passes in the Orlando, Florida Area

Your loved one has passed in the Orlando, Florida area. You may be distraught. You are emotionally drained. However, you know there are things that must be done. What do you need to do?

Obtain Death Certificates

You need to handle all arrangements for final burial or cremation. For probate administration in probate court you need a death certificate without the cause of death. You can use this death certificate without the cause of death for social security, veterans administration, title transfers, banking, stockbrokers, income tax, and homestead exemption. 

You will need a death certificate with cause of death for life insurance, employee benefits, auto insurance (if cause of death) personal records-a copy for the family. 

Find the Will

You need to locate the Will. A valid Will should be filed with the probate court in the county of decedent’s residence within 10 days of death. In Seminole County, Florida, you can deliver the Will to the Probate Court with a Death Certificate Without Cause of Death. You can pay $7 and receive a receipt showing the Will was deposited with the clerk for safe keeping. 

You need to determine who the personal representative is for the estate. If it is not you, you need to contact the personal representative. You may want to contact an attorney. The attorney can explain the probate process to you and what needs to be done. 

Settle Finances

You should notify the investment advisor or financial planner. If your loved one is not retired, you should contact your loved one’s place of employment. You need to meet with the bank regarding joint accounts or Paid on Death accounts. 

Close Out Subscriptions and Accounts

After 60 to 90 days, you may wish to close the decedent’s email, website, and social media. You should also cancel any outstanding memberships, such as gyms, professional organizations, and subscriptions. Notify your stockbroker or investment specialist. Notify the banks too. Notify all credit card companies. 

For real estate holdings held jointly, record the death certificate without the cause of death at the courthouse of the decedent’s residence. File the Widowed Person’s homestead exemption. Transfer automobile registration. 

Within six months, cancel the driver’s license of the deceased. Review your will for updates with an Estate Planning Attorney. 

You may also need to notify the accountant or tax preparer and collect all necessary documents. Notify the voter’s registration office. See a CPA regarding whether there are federal estate taxes. Do not throw anything away if you are unsure.  

If you have more questions regarding a Probate Administration matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.