What to do when you lose a loved one

When a spouse dies, whether it was unexpected or the result of a lengthy illness, everything else can seem insignificant. Though your natural inclination may be to put things off, there are important legal and financial matters that need to be attended to in order to avoid problems later on.

In this section, you will find:

• Six things you can do immediately after a loss.  
• Practical guidelines to help you create a more financially secure life.

Help getting started

Be aware of some of the primary issues that need to be addressed when a spouse dies:

• Notification of family and friends
• Funeral arrangements
• Contacting an estate planning attorney to review the will and/or trust, and handle the legal and tax aspects of your spouse's estate
• Contacting your financial planner or investment advisor to review your assets and determine a financial plan to meet your current and future needs
• Notification of employer, insurance companies, government offices and financial providers
• Assessing your financial picture

When your spouse dies, reach out to friends, family and trusted advisors. They can help you with some of the first issues you need to handle.