Locate the last will and testament, if any, and notify the executor.

The two most certain things in life are death and taxes. As if the loss of a loved one or business associate is not enough to deal with, there are certain duties and responsibilities, which need to be done, in connection with the untimely passing.

This article will help to serve as a reference when death does occur, and also encourage some preparation prior to death.

The following is a list of things that need to be done when death occurs:

1.Request at least 10 death certificates from the funeral director. Death certificates will be required when filing estate and final income tax returns for the decedent, completing life insurance death claims, etc.

2.Obtain and begin to implement any special instructions the decedent left regarding his disposition, including anatomical gifts or special funeral arrangements.

3.Contact the appropriate religious officials and parish leaders and proceed with funeral instructions or other planned disposition.

4.Locate the last will and testament, if any, and notify the executor. If the last will and testament is located in a safety deposit box, the next of kin may legally enter each box in the present of a bank officer to retrieve legal papers (such as wills, trusts, deeds and burial instructions) in most states.

5.The executor of the estate should contact the estate attorney or select one if decedent did not have an established relationship prior to death. Also, contact the decedent's CPA, stock broker, banker, investment advisor, etc. and notify them of the decedent's death.

6.Continue to notify family, close friends, employer and business colleagues of the death.

7.Decide on an appropriate memorial for the decedent and notify acquaintances if flowers are to be omitted.

8.Prepare and deliver the obituaries to the local newspapers, giving time, date and place of services. Most funeral directors are instrumental in this process.

9.Arrange for the care of family members. Special family members in need may be minor children, a disabled dependent, pets, or an elderly spouse.

10.If appropriate, consider canceling the decedent's credit cards.

11.Review the possibility of all life insurance coverage and check for death benefits. If the policies can not be readily located, review the decedent's disbursements journals or checking account registers for life insurance premiums paid and follow up to determine whether there is a possibility for death benefits under life insurance enforced at the time of death.

12.Determine the decedent's liabilities and inventory any ongoing installment debt payments due.

13.Reroute the mail sent to the decedent to the appropriate individual (executor or surviving relatives).

14.Notify and provide for the shutoff of utilities, communicate with landlord, if any.

15.Determine the location of the decedent's vehicles and also determine who has access to them.