Start With the Most Important Step: Grieving

In the first few days after a loved one passes, your priority should be emotional well-being. You are not required to begin legal or financial tasks right away. Take time with family, notify close relatives and friends, and begin processing the loss together.

During this time, most families meet with the funeral home. If your loved one left written funeral instructions—often included in their estate planning documents—this can make the process easier. If not, the funeral home will help you make decisions and prepare the obituary.

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Early Practical Steps to Take

Once the initial arrangements are underway, you can begin gathering information and securing important items. These early steps help prevent confusion later and ensure that the estate is protected.

Some of the first practical things you should do include:

• Obtain death certificates (we recommend requesting at least five)

• Secure the home or real estate to prevent theft or damage

• Forward the decedent’s mail with the USPS

• Cancel credit cards or subscription services to stop ongoing charges

• Notify property and casualty insurance providers

• Check for a safe deposit box and determine how to access it

At this stage, nothing needs to be transferred or distributed. The goal is simply to gather information and protect the estate.

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Build Your Support Team Early

Estate administration isn’t something anyone should navigate alone. It’s important to contact the attorney, financial advisor, and CPA early so the entire team is aligned. These professionals work together to ensure that steps are taken in the correct order.

This is especially critical when the estate involves trusts or tax-sensitive planning. For example, if a surviving spouse intends to disclaim assets so they flow into a credit shelter trust—a common and valuable tax strategy—the timing of transfers matters significantly. Moving assets too early can eliminate the ability to use the trust as intended, and once assets are transferred, there is no “undo” button.

Before moving any asset out of the decedent’s name, always consult with your professional team.

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Understanding the Timeline of Administration

Estate administration takes time—often several months, and in the case of probate, sometimes longer. As a general guideline:

• At around two months, families begin valuing assets, evaluating real estate, gathering tax information, and paying verified debts.

• Around nine months, after debts and taxes have been addressed and creditor deadlines have passed, distribution of assets may begin.

Trust administrations usually resolve faster than probates, but every estate is unique.

What matters most is following the correct legal order. Proper administration ensures taxes are handled correctly, debts are paid in the right priority, and assets pass to beneficiaries according to your loved one’s wishes.

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Final Thoughts

Losing a loved one is never easy. But you don’t have to go through the administrative process alone. With the right team and guidance, you can protect the estate, avoid costly mistakes, and honor your loved one’s intentions.

At the Yanowitz Law Firm, we guide Minnesota families through probate and trust administration with clarity, compassion, and decades of experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many death certificates should I order?

We recommend requesting at least five, though some estates may require more depending on how many institutions you’ll need to notify.

2. When should I contact an attorney after someone dies?

Within the first week or two is ideal—but not immediately. Take time to grieve, then reach out once you’re ready to begin the administrative process.

3. Should I start paying the decedent’s bills right away?

No. Do not pay debts until you’ve spoken with an attorney. You may not be legally responsible for them, and paying too early can complicate the estate.

Author

Claire creates wills and trusts which provide security and peace of mind. She compassionately listens to her clients’ dreams, goals, and fears and then fashions plans that best meet their needs. It is important to Claire that her clients understand different options and make decisions that are right for them. She loves to educate clients by drawing out complicated concepts.

Come visit us! Conveniently located in Rochester, Minnesota.