What to gather after a death

Start with the person and the family

Write down the person's full name, date of death, and last permanent home address. Include a recent move or time spent in a hospital or care facility. Where the person lived can matter when choosing the proper court.

Make a family list, including a spouse, children, and relatives who died earlier. Add contact information where you have it. Tell the attorney about adoption, divorce, or relatives whose location you do not know.

Look for the important papers

Keep an original will safe and bring it to the attorney's attention. A photo or copy can help begin the conversation, but say clearly whether you have the original. Gather any trust documents and papers from an earlier court case.

• Death certificate, if available, and funeral bill or receipts.
• Deeds, mortgage statements, and co-op ownership papers.
• Recent bank, investment, retirement, and insurance statements.
• Any letter with a deadline, court date, or demand for payment.

Separate what you know from what you assume

For each account or property, note whose name appears on the record. Look for a joint owner or named beneficiary. Ownership details can change how an asset passes after death; the balance alone does not tell the whole story.

For example, a checking account in one person's name and a life insurance policy naming someone to receive the proceeds may need different steps. Bring the records rather than guessing that everything belongs in one court filing.

Flag immediate concerns

Tell the attorney if a home is empty, insurance may lapse, a mortgage payment is overdue, or someone needs access to funds. Keep a record of expenses you pay and why. Ask before using the deceased person's money or dividing belongings.

Being the family member who organizes everything does not, by itself, establish legal authority to act for the estate. Ask who can act now and what appointment or other documentation may be needed.

Bring your questions, too

A short question list helps: Which court might be involved? Which records are still missing? What needs attention first? How will legal fees and expenses be explained? Law Office of Andreina I. Rosa, Esq. can discuss estate matters with families in Westchester, New York City, and Nassau.

This guide provides general New York information. The next steps depend on the documents, property, and family involved.