Financial and Credit Obligations

Unpaid bills: Gather all unpaid bills and make sure you are aware of all credit obligations of the deceased. Many liability accounts such as credit cards are covered by credit life insurance, which may pay the account balance in the event of death. Contact each creditor in a timely manner to obtain their procedures and potential insurance coverage.

Bank Accounts: Banks may stop payment on checks after a death notice has been published. The bank may also have the account checked by state tax authorities. To avoid unnecessary inconvenience, request a release from each bank in which the deceased and you held a joint account.