What Documents You’ll Need After Someone Dies

You don’t need every document immediately after a death. Most tasks can begin with a small core set, while the rest are gathered over days or weeks.

What People Often Think

  • You need to find every document right away or nothing can move forward.
  • The funeral home, lawyer, or bank already has everything they need.
  • If you’re missing paperwork, you’ve done something wrong.
  • One death certificate is enough.

What’s actually true.

  • Most required documents fall into a few clear categories, not an endless list.
  • Many processes can start with just a handful of key items, while others are collected later.
  • Multiple institutions often require their own certified copy of certain documents.
  • The process is designed to unfold over time — not all at once.

The Core Document Categories

Proof of death

  • Certified death certificates (usually 5–10 copies).

  • Required by banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and courts.

Estate planning documents

  • Original will and any codicils.

  • Trust documents and amendments, if applicable.

  • Funeral or disposition instructions, if they exist.

Identity and status documents

  • Social Security number.

  • Birth certificate.

  • Marriage or divorce records.

  • Military service records (if applicable).

  • Driver’s license or passport.

Ownership and asset records

  • Property deeds and mortgage statements.

  • Vehicle titles and registrations.

  • Bank and investment account statements.

  • Business ownership or partnership agreements.

  • Safe deposit box information.

Financial accounts and debts

  • Recent bank statements.

  • Credit cards, loans, and mortgage records.

  • Utility and service bills.

  • Medical bills and final expense invoices.

Insurance and benefits

  • Life insurance policies.

  • Retirement and pension information.

  • Payable-on-death or beneficiary designations.

  • Employer or government benefit records.

Tax records

  • Recent tax returns (usually last 2–3 years).

  • Property tax statements.

  • Records of prior estate or gift taxes, if relevant.

Digital access

  • List of online accounts.

  • Financial apps and payment services.

  • Email and cloud storage accounts.

Why it matters.

  • Knowing the categories reduces overwhelm and prevents missed assets or benefits.

  • Gathering the right documents early avoids delays in probate, claims, and account closures.

  • It helps prevent paying bills personally that should be handled by the estate.

  • Understanding that this is a phased process gives permission to move at a sustainable pace.

Practical takeaway.

  • Start with:

    • Certified death certificates.

    • The original will or trust.

    • Basic ID and relationship documents.

    • A rough list of known accounts and policies.

  • Then, over the next days and weeks:

    • Collect titles, statements, tax records, and digital information as needed.

  • You don’t need everything at once — you just need to start in the right place.

Related Facts-Fast Pages

How to find the will and other important documents after someone dies.

How to get certified copies of a death certificate.

Backward | Index | Forward