What to Do When a Parent Dies: Step-by-Step Checklist

Step 1 · The first hours

Pronouncement, transport and securing the home

What to do

If in hospice: call the hospice nurse. If unexpected: call 911.
A doctor, nurse or medical examiner must officially pronounce the death.
Call the funeral home or cremation provider to arrange transport.
Take your loved one's wallet, keys, checkbook and phone to a safe place.

Who to contact

Hospice nurse or doctor: to pronounce the death.
Funeral home: for transport and care.
Close family: agree who will tell whom.

What to document

The date, time and place of death.
The name of the person who pronounced the death.

What to declare or file

Nothing needs to be filed with a court today.

How to protect assets and yourself

Lock the home and take any pets to a safe place.
Do not let anyone remove belongings, even keepsakes, yet.

Common mistakes to avoid

Signing a funeral home contract that makes you personally responsible for the bill. Ask to sign on behalf of the estate.
Posting the death online before the house is secured.

Step 2 · Days 2 to 7

Death certificates, the funeral, and finding papers

What to do

Order certified copies of the death certificate (usually through the funeral home). Banks, insurers and the land records office each keep one.
Find the original will or trust, deeds, insurance policies and military discharge papers (DD-214).
Plan the funeral or memorial, following your loved one's written wishes.
Have the mail forwarded to the person handling the estate.

Who to contact

Funeral director: death certificates and the funeral.
Social Security (1-800-772-1213): the funeral home usually reports the death, but confirm. Payment for the month of death may have to be returned.
Employer or pension plan, if any.

What to document

Every bill, statement and letter that arrives.

What to declare or file

Only if: a will Many states require the original will to be delivered to the probate court soon after death. Check your state's rule.
Only if: a living trust The successor trustee signs a written acceptance of the role if the trust asks for one.

How to protect assets and yourself

Do not drive or let others drive your loved one's car until insurance is sorted out.
Keep the home heated in winter and the utilities on.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using the power of attorney after death. It ended at death.

Step 3 · The first two weeks

Tax ID, notices and starting probate or trust administration

What to do

Get a taxpayer ID number (EIN) for the estate or trust from the IRS. It is free at irs.gov.
Only if: a will File the will and a petition with the probate court to be appointed executor.
Only if: no will Find out who the heirs are under state law, and whether a small estate process or full probate is needed.
Only if: a living trust The successor trustee sends the notice to beneficiaries that your state requires.
Tell the three credit bureaus about the death, to prevent identity theft.

Who to contact

IRS: apply for the EIN online at irs.gov.
Credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Use the letter templates.
Home insurance company: tell them the home is empty.

What to document

The value of each account and property on the date of death, for taxes.

What to declare or file

Only if: a will or no will The probate petition.
Only if: a living trust The trustee's notice to beneficiaries.

Small estates: this differs by state

Choose your loved one's state to see the rule there.

See this rule for all states

Small estates by state
State	Small estates
Alabama	Estates of personal property only (no real estate) worth up to the Small Estates Act limit (about $47,000 for claims on or after April 1, 2024; adjusted for inflation) can be handled by a petition for summary distribution to the probate judge. (Source: Mobile County Probate Court: Revised Alabama Small Estates Act, checked September 28, 2026.)
Alaska	If there is no real estate, heirs can collect personal property by affidavit 30 days after death when personal property is $50,000 or less (plus vehicles up to $100,000). (Source: Alaska Statutes 13.16.680, checked September 28, 2026.)
Arizona	Personal property worth $200,000 or less can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death. Real estate with equity of $300,000 or less can use a separate affidavit six months after death (limits in effect since September 26, 2025). (Source: Arizona Revised Statutes 14-3971, checked September 28, 2026.)
Arkansas	If everything the person owned (less debts secured by it, not counting the homestead) is worth $100,000 or less, heirs can use a small estate affidavit 45 days after death. It can include real estate. (Source: Arkansas Code 28-41-101, checked September 28, 2026.)
California	For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, personal property worth $208,850 or less can be collected by affidavit 40 days after death. Real estate up to $69,625 has a separate affidavit. (Source: California Courts Self-Help: When formal probate may not be needed, checked September 28, 2026.)
Colorado	For a death in 2026, personal property worth $88,000 or less can be collected with an affidavit (form JDF 999) 10 days after death. It cannot transfer real estate. The limit changes each year. (Source: Colorado Judicial Branch: Collection of personal property by affidavit, checked September 28, 2026.)
Connecticut	If the person owned no real estate alone and personal property is $40,000 or less, the estate can be settled with an affidavit (form PC-212) filed with the Probate Court. (Source: Connecticut Probate Courts: Form PC-212, checked September 28, 2026.)
Delaware	If personal property (not counting jointly owned property) is $50,000 or less, close family can collect it with an affidavit from the Register of Wills 30 days after death. (Source: Delaware Code Title 12 § 2306, checked September 28, 2026.)
District of Columbia	Estates worth $40,000 or less can be opened as a small estate in the Probate Division, which usually finishes within about 120 days. (Source: DC Courts: Small estates, checked September 28, 2026.)
Florida	Summary administration (a shorter court process) is available if the estate, not counting property protected from creditors, is $75,000 or less, or if the person died more than two years ago. (Source: Florida Statutes Chapter 735, checked September 28, 2026.)
Georgia	Georgia has no dollar-limit affidavit. If there are no unpaid debts (or creditors agree) and the heirs agree how to divide the estate, the probate court can declare that no administration is necessary. A surviving spouse or minor children can also petition for Year's Support. (Source: Georgia Probate Courts: Petition for Order Declaring No Administration Necessary, checked September 28, 2026.)
Hawaii	If the estate in Hawaii is worth $100,000 or less, personal property can be collected by affidavit. (Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes 560:3-1201, checked September 28, 2026.)
Idaho	Personal property can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death when the probate estate, less debts secured by it, is $100,000 or less. It cannot transfer real estate. (Source: Idaho Code 15-3-1201, checked September 28, 2026.)
Illinois	Personal property worth $150,000 or less (vehicles do not count toward the limit) can be transferred with a small estate affidavit. It cannot transfer real estate. (Source: 755 ILCS 5/25-1, checked September 28, 2026.)
Indiana	For deaths after June 30, 2022, a notarized small estate affidavit can be used 45 days after death if the probate estate is $100,000 or less. (Source: Indiana Code 29-1-8-1 (State Form 54794), checked September 28, 2026.)
Iowa	If there is no real estate and personal property is $50,000 or less, heirs can collect it by affidavit 40 days after death. (Source: Iowa Code 633.356, checked September 28, 2026.)
Kansas	If the probate estate is $75,000 or less, personal property can be transferred with a small estates affidavit. (Source: Kansas Judicial Council: Small estates affidavit (K.S.A. 59-1507b), checked September 28, 2026.)
Kentucky	If the probate estate is $30,000 or less, a surviving spouse (or the children, if there is no spouse) can ask the District Court to dispense with administration. (Source: KRS 395.455, checked September 28, 2026.)
Louisiana	A small succession (gross value $200,000 or less since August 1, 2024) can often be handled with an affidavit signed by all the heirs, without opening a court case. (Source: Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure art. 3421, checked September 28, 2026.)
Maine	Personal property can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death if the estate is $40,000 or less, adjusted each year for inflation. (Source: Maine Revised Statutes Title 18-C § 3-1201, checked September 28, 2026.)
Maryland	Estates worth $50,000 or less ($100,000 if the spouse is the only heir) are opened as small estates with the Register of Wills. (Source: Maryland Register of Wills: Small estates, checked September 28, 2026.)
Massachusetts	Voluntary administration is available 30 days after death if there is no real estate and personal property (not counting one car) is $25,000 or less. (Source: Mass.gov: Types of probate for an estate, checked September 28, 2026.)
Michigan	For a death in 2026, if there is no real estate and the estate is $53,000 or less, heirs can use a small estate affidavit (form PC 598) 28 days after death. The limit changes each year. (Source: Michigan Legal Help: Overview of Michigan's small estate processes, checked September 28, 2026.)
Minnesota	Personal property can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death if the probate estate is $75,000 or less. The affidavit is not filed with the court. (Source: Minnesota Statutes 524.3-1201, checked September 28, 2026.)
Mississippi	Personal property can be collected with a successor's affidavit 30 days after death if the probate estate is $75,000 or less. (Source: Mississippi Code 91-7-322, checked September 28, 2026.)
Missouri	If the estate (less debts and liens) is $40,000 or less, an affidavit can be filed with the probate division 30 days after death. A bond is usually required. (Source: RSMo 473.097, checked September 28, 2026.)
Montana	Personal property can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death if the probate estate, less liens, is $100,000 or less. (Source: Montana Code 72-3-1101, checked September 28, 2026.)
Nebraska	Personal property can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death if it is worth $100,000 or less. (Source: Nebraska Revised Statutes 30-24,125, checked September 28, 2026.)
Nevada	If there is no real estate, an Affidavit of Entitlement can be used 40 days after death: up to $25,000 for most heirs (not counting vehicles), or up to $150,000 for a surviving spouse. (Source: Nevada Courts Self-Help Center: Affidavit of Entitlement, checked September 28, 2026.)
New Hampshire	New Hampshire has no dollar-limit affidavit. A simpler court process called Waiver of Administration may be available, with no inventory, accounting or bond required. (Source: New Hampshire RSA 553:32, checked September 28, 2026.)
New Jersey	Only when there is no will: a surviving spouse or partner can take an estate of up to $50,000 by affidavit before the county Surrogate. With no spouse, one heir (with the others' written consent) can do so for up to $20,000. (Source: Mercer County Surrogate: Affidavits of surviving spouse or next of kin, checked September 28, 2026.)
New Mexico	If there is no real estate and the estate is under $50,000, an Affidavit of Successor in Interest can be used 30 days after death. (Source: New Mexico Courts: Probate self-representation, checked September 28, 2026.)
New York	If personal property is $50,000 or less, the estate can be handled as a Voluntary Administration in Surrogate's Court. (Source: NY Courts: Small estate — when a person dies with less than $50,000, checked September 28, 2026.)
North Carolina	Personal property of $20,000 or less ($30,000 if the spouse is the only heir) can be collected by affidavit filed with the Clerk of Superior Court 30 days after death. (Source: N.C. General Statutes 28A-25-1, checked September 28, 2026.)
North Dakota	If there is no real estate and the probate estate is under $100,000, personal property can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death. (Source: North Dakota Courts: Affidavit for collection of personal property, checked September 28, 2026.)
Ohio	The probate court can release an estate from administration if assets are $35,000 or less, or $100,000 or less when the surviving spouse receives everything. (Source: Ohio Revised Code 2113.03, checked September 28, 2026.)
Oklahoma	Property in Oklahoma worth $50,000 or less (less liens) can be collected by affidavit 10 days after death, once debts and taxes are paid. (Source: Oklahoma Statutes Title 58 § 393, checked September 28, 2026.)
Oregon	A Simple Estate Affidavit can be filed with the circuit court 30 days after death if the estate is under $275,000, with no more than $75,000 in personal property and $200,000 in real estate. (Source: Oregon Judicial Department: Simple Estate Affidavit instructions (June 2026), checked September 28, 2026.)
Pennsylvania	If the estate (not counting real estate) is $50,000 or less, anyone interested can petition the Orphans' Court to distribute it without full administration. (Source: 20 Pa.C.S. § 3102, checked September 28, 2026.)
Rhode Island	If the estate is only personal property worth $15,000 or less, a close relative can file a statement with the local probate court 30 days after death. (Source: R.I. General Laws 33-24-1, checked September 28, 2026.)
South Carolina	If there is no real estate and the probate estate is $45,000 or less, personal property can be collected by affidavit filed with the probate court 30 days after death. (Source: South Carolina Act 26 of 2025 (Bill 3472), amending S.C. Code 62-3-1201, checked September 28, 2026.)
South Dakota	Personal property can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death if the estate, less liens, is $100,000 or less. (Source: SDCL 29A-3-1201, checked September 28, 2026.)
Tennessee	If there is no real estate and personal property is $50,000 or less, an heir can petition for small estate administration 45 days after death. (Source: Tennessee Courts: Small estates, checked September 28, 2026.)
Texas	If there is no will and the estate is $75,000 or less (not counting the homestead and exempt property), heirs can file a small estate affidavit for the court's approval. (Source: Texas Law Help: Small estate affidavits, checked September 28, 2026.)
Utah	Personal property can be collected by affidavit 30 days after death if the estate, less liens, is $100,000 or less. It cannot transfer real estate. (Source: Utah Courts: Small estate affidavit, checked September 28, 2026.)
Vermont	An estate of only personal property worth $45,000 or less can be opened as a small estate in the Probate Division. (Source: 14 V.S.A. § 1902, checked September 28, 2026.)
Virginia	If the personal probate estate is $75,000 or less, the heirs can use a small estate affidavit (form CC-1685) 60 days after death. (Source: Code of Virginia § 64.2-601, checked September 28, 2026.)
Washington	A notarized small estate affidavit can be used 40 days after death if the probate estate is $100,000 or less and debts are paid. A copy goes to the state's Office of Financial Recovery. (Source: RCW 11.62.010, checked September 28, 2026.)
West Virginia	A small estate (personal property up to $50,000 and West Virginia real estate up to $100,000) can be handled by affidavit through the county commission clerk. (Source: W. Va. Code Chapter 44, Article 1A, checked September 28, 2026.)
Wisconsin	If the property in Wisconsin is worth $50,000 or less, an heir can collect it with a Transfer by Affidavit (form PR-1831). (Source: Wisconsin Statutes 867.03, checked September 28, 2026.)
Wyoming	Estates worth $400,000 or less (after 2025 changes) can use an affidavit 30 days after death; real estate needs a court filing. (Source: Wyoming Judicial Branch: Small estates and summary distribution, checked September 28, 2026.)

How to protect assets and yourself

Ask the insurance company whether the policy needs a vacancy change. Some policies stop covering an empty home after a set time.
Consider changing the locks.

Common mistakes to avoid

Paying a website to get an EIN. It is free from the IRS.
Depositing checks made out to your loved one into your own account.

Step 4 · The first month

An estate bank account, creditors and claims

What to do

Open a bank account for the estate or trust using the EIN. Pay estate bills only from this account.
Only if: a will or no will Give notice to creditors as your state's probate process requires.
Claim life insurance and accounts with named beneficiaries.
Cancel subscriptions, phone and streaming services.

Who to contact

Bank: to open the estate or trust account.
Life insurance companies and retirement plans: to start claims.

What to document

A list of all assets and debts, with account numbers (last digits only) and values.

What to declare or file

Only if: a will or no will An inventory, if your court requires one.

How to protect assets and yourself

Keep the utilities on so the home stays safe.

Common mistakes to avoid

Paying credit cards before funeral costs, taxes and other bills that come first under state law.
Giving money to family before the time for creditors to make claims has passed.

Step 5 · Months 1 to 3

Claims, appraisals and the house

What to do

Review creditor claims. Pay valid ones from estate money; question ones that look wrong.
Get appraisals for the house and any valuable items.
Decide with the family whether to keep, rent or sell the house.
Start sorting belongings, following any memorandum your loved one left.

Who to contact

Real estate appraiser: value on the date of death.
Estate sale company or senior move manager, if needed.

What to document

Photos of each room and of valuable items.
A list of claims received and what you did with each.

What to declare or file

Any reports your probate court or state law requires.

How to protect assets and yourself

Do not pay out inheritances while debts are unpaid. The person in charge can be held personally responsible.

Common mistakes to avoid

Fighting over belongings. Taking turns choosing items works well for many families.

Step 6 · Months 3 to 12

Taxes, selling property, and the accounting

What to do

File your loved one's final income tax return (Form 1040) and any estate or trust income tax return (Form 1041).
If the estate is large enough, the federal estate tax return is due Federal estate tax return (Form 706) due date after deathAs of September 28, 2026.Only estates above the exemption, or those electing portability, need to file. A 6-month extension is available.Source: IRS: About Form 706 after death.
Sell property if that is the plan, and put the money in the estate or trust account.
Prepare a full accounting of money in and money out.

Who to contact

Tax preparer or CPA.
Title company, if selling real estate.

What to document

The closing statement from any sale.
Signed receipts from each beneficiary.

What to declare or file

Tax returns, and any final accounting your court requires.

How to protect assets and yourself

Get a signed receipt and release from each beneficiary before or when you pay them.

Common mistakes to avoid

Paying beneficiaries before the tax returns are filed.

Step 7 · Closing out

Final payments and closing the estate

What to do

Pay out what is left to the beneficiaries in the right shares.
Close the estate or trust bank account.
Only if: a will or no will Ask the court to close the estate and discharge you.

Who to contact

Probate court clerk, if there was probate.

What to document

The final bank statement showing a zero balance.
The court's closing order, if any.

What to declare or file

Only if: a will or no will The final report or petition your court requires.

How to protect assets and yourself

Keep all records for at least several years; ask your tax preparer how long.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming probate is over before receiving the court's closing order.

When a loved one dies: step by step

Do this first

Rules that differ by state

What to do

Who to contact

What to document

What to declare or file

How to protect assets and yourself

Common mistakes to avoid

What to do

Who to contact

What to document

What to declare or file

How to protect assets and yourself

Common mistakes to avoid

What to do

Who to contact

What to document

What to declare or file

How to protect assets and yourself

Common mistakes to avoid

What to do

Who to contact

What to document

What to declare or file

How to protect assets and yourself

Common mistakes to avoid

What to do

Who to contact

What to document

What to declare or file

How to protect assets and yourself

Common mistakes to avoid

What to do

Who to contact

What to document

What to declare or file

How to protect assets and yourself

Common mistakes to avoid

What to do

Who to contact

What to document

What to declare or file

How to protect assets and yourself

Common mistakes to avoid

Sources