Robert's Estate — Full Plan

14 of 38 tasks complete — 37% Estimated finish: Late April 2026
Obtain death certificates Jan 20 · 10 copies
Notify immediate family Jan 20
Contact funeral home Jan 20
Secure the home Jan 21
Notify employer Jan 21
Contact clergy / officiant Jan 22
File death certificate with county Jan 27
Contact estate attorney Jan 28 · Weinstein & Assoc.
Notify Social Security Administration Jan 30
Contact life insurance provider Feb 2 · claim Phase 5
Notify banks (initial notification) Feb 5
Close joint credit card Feb 12
Transfer utility accounts to sole name Feb 18 · gas, electric, water
Cancel subscriptions (7 of 7) Settle handled Feb 22
Call First National Bank — request estate account review
today Call 1-800-382-5400 ext. 7, ask for Estate Services
Transfer brokerage account to estate
waiting on confirmation letter from First National Bank
Close individual credit card
Available after bank closure is confirmed
Update mortgage to survivor name
Available ~Mar 10 — requires bank transfer complete
File final bank paperwork with estate attorney
Available after all accounts are processed
  • 1.Transfer car title to survivor
  • 2.Update home deed (survivorship)
  • 3.File for probate (if required)Attorney will advise
  • 4.Inventory and appraise estate assets
  • 5.Notify creditors of estate
  • 6.Update vehicle insurance policies
  • 7.Resolve outstanding debts
  • 1.Claim life insurance benefit
  • 2.Apply for Social Security survivor benefit
  • 3.Claim VA burial benefit
  • 4.Claim unclaimed property (Illinois)
  • 5.Review pension / retirement accounts
  • 6.Update beneficiaries on your own accounts
  • 1.File Robert's final income tax returnDeadline Apr 15, 2026
  • 2.Distribute assets per will or trust
  • 3.Close estate bank account
  • 4.File final estate accounting (if probate)
  • 5.Discharge executor / personal representative
  • 6.Archive all estate records