What to Do as a Surviving Spouse After Your Spouse Dies

The death of a spouse is one of life’s most devastating losses. In the midst of grief, you may also be faced with urgent practical and legal matters that feel overwhelming. While no guide can ease the pain, having a clear plan for the steps ahead can help you feel more grounded and supported.

Below is a roadmap to help you navigate this difficult time.

1. Allow Yourself Space to Grieve

Your first priority is your own well-being. In the early days, lean on friends, family, your faith community, or grief counselors for support. There’s no “right” timeline for grief. You do not have to handle every logistical task immediately—focus on the essentials first.

2. Secure the Immediate Needs

In the first few days, you’ll need to address:

• Pronouncement of Death & Death Certificates
  If your spouse passed away in a hospital, hospice, or nursing home, staff will handle the pronouncement. If at home, call 911 or the hospice nurse.
  Request 10–15 certified copies of the death certificate—you will need them for insurance claims, banking, property transfers, and more.
• Care for Dependents and Pets
  Ensure children, elderly relatives, or pets who relied on your spouse are cared for in the short term.
• Secure Property
  Lock the home, safeguard valuables, and locate important documents.

3. Gather Important Documents

Collect as many of these as you can before beginning any formal processes:

• Will or trust documents
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates (for spouse and children)
• Social Security card and number
• Life insurance policies
• Deeds, titles, and property records
• Financial account statements
• Pension/retirement account information

4. Notify Key Parties

Within the first few weeks, contact:

• Family and friends so they hear the news from you, not elsewhere.
• Employer (both yours and your spouse’s) about benefits, final paychecks, and possible life insurance.
• Social Security Administration to stop benefits and apply for survivor benefits if applicable.
• Insurance companies (life, health, auto, homeowners).
• Financial institutions to freeze joint accounts if necessary and prevent fraud.

5. Consult an Attorney Before Making Major Decisions

Especially if your spouse had a will, trust, or owned property in their name alone, you may need probate or trust administration. An estate planning or probate attorney can help you:

• Understand your rights as a surviving spouse
• Navigate the probate court process (if needed)
• Transfer property titles
• Access life insurance or retirement funds
• Address debts and liabilities

Tip: Don’t rush to sell a home, move, or make major financial commitments. Give yourself time to think clearly.

6. Manage Financial and Legal Affairs

After meeting with your attorney and/or financial advisor:

• Claim life insurance benefits and pension/retirement distributions.
• Update your own estate plan—including your will, trust, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations.
• Address taxes—you may need to file a final joint return for the year your spouse died.
• Close unnecessary accounts to protect against identity theft.

7. Take Care of Yourself for the Long Term

Grief can have lasting effects on mental, emotional, and physical health. Continue to:

• Attend grief counseling or support groups
• Maintain a healthy routine
• Revisit your financial and legal plans periodically
• Surround yourself with people who care

Final Thought

While the path ahead may feel uncertain, you don’t have to walk it alone. Surround yourself with trusted professionals—attorneys, financial advisors, grief counselors—and loved ones who can help you navigate each step. In time, the fog of grief will lift enough for you to see the next chapter of your life more clearly.