Tips For Widows/Widowers from the Academy
Lubnau Law knows that losing a spouse is difficult in many ways. We believe that it is important to plan for incapacity and we want to help teach people how to pay for long-term care, protect family assets, and create a legacy estate plan while there is time to do so. But what should you do directly after a spouse passes away or if you have not planned appropriately? The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys has some great advice:
Take Your Time: Grief can cloud your judgment, so give yourself time to process your emotions before making major financial decisions.
Gather Important Documents: Collect essential documents such as the will, death certificate, insurance policies, bank statements, retirement account details, property deeds, and investment information. These will be necessary for managing the financial aspects.
Notify Institutions: Inform relevant institutions about your spouse’s passing, including banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and government agencies. This helps prevent any unauthorized access to accounts.
Update Beneficiary Designations: Review and update beneficiary designations on insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other assets. Make sure they reflect your current wishes.
Create a Financial Snapshot: Compile a comprehensive list of your assets, liabilities, income sources, and monthly expenses. This will help you understand your financial situation and make informed decisions.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a financial advisor, estate attorney like Lubnau Law, or tax professional who specializes in dealing with estates and inheritance. They can guide you through the legal and financial aspects.
Evaluate Immediate Expenses: Determine the immediate expenses such as funeral costs, outstanding debts, and any legal fees. Use available assets or insurance proceeds to cover these costs.
Review Social Security and Pensions: If your spouse was receiving Social Security benefits or a pension, understand how these benefits might change for you. Social Security survivor benefits and pension options may be available.
Assess Your Income: Understand your sources of income after your spouse’s death. This may include salary, pensions, Social Security, investments, and rental income.
Review Insurance Policies: Review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for your needs. Update beneficiaries and assess whether any adjustments are necessary.
Manage Debt: Address any joint debts you and your spouse had. Determine how they will be paid off and consider seeking advice on handling them appropriately.
Create a Budget: Establish a new budget based on your changed financial circumstances. Prioritize essential expenses and allocate funds for savings and future goals.
Consider Downsizing: If your housing situation is no longer suitable, think about whether downsizing or relocating would be financially beneficial.
Update Legal Documents: Update your will, estate plan, and power of attorney documents to reflect your new circumstances and wishes.
Embrace Long-Term Planning: Start planning for your long-term financial future. This might involve retirement planning, investments, and estate planning with Lubnau Law to ensure your financial security.
Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about financial matters if you’re not already familiar. Understanding investments, taxes, and other financial concepts can empower you to make informed decisions.
Not sure where to start? Want to avoid the added pain of estate planning after you’ve lost a loved one? The Lubnau Law team are estate planning, elder law & Medicaid planning professionals. Call us at (307) 682-1313.
Original article by Gail Rubin, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.