Comprehensive 14-Day Checklist for Managing Death in Georgia

Step-by-step guide covering immediate actions, service planning, documentation, and legal notifications after a death in Georgia, designed to help families stay organized and navigate probate efficiently.

Transcript

1. What to Do After a Death in Georgia A Checklist for the First 14 Days
2. Presentation of Source: ThriftLegal.com THRIFT MCLEMORE
3. The Reality of the First 14 Days: Managing grief while handling complex logistics.
4. Constant phone calls and unanswerable questions.
5. Purpose of this Guide:
6. Stay organized during a high- stress period.
7. Establish a clear timeline for legal and practical steps.
8. Find your footing before entering the longer probate process.
9. Phase 1 – Immediate Actions (Days 1–3)
10. Legal Pronouncement of Death:
11. Required if the death occurred at home (call 911 or hospice nurse).
12. If in a hospital or nursing home, staff will handle this.
13. Notify Immediate Family & Friends:
14. Share the news personally with the closest circle before posting on social media.
15. Arrange Body Transport:
16. Contact a funeral home to move the deceased from the place of death.
17. Secure Property & Valuables:
18. Lock doors, secure vehicles, and ensure pets or plants are cared for.
19. Phase 2 – Planning the Service (Days 3–7)
20. Locate End-of-Life Instructions: Check for a Will, Trust, or "Letter of Instruction" for burial/cremation wishes.
21. Coordinate with Funeral Home: Decide on burial vs. cremation.
22. Prepare the obituary and schedule the memorial service.
23. Delegate Tasks: Ask a family friend to coordinate meals, monitor the home, or handle incoming phone calls.
24. Phase 3 – Essential Documentation (Days 7–10)
25. Order Death Certificates: Recommendation: Order 10–12 certified copies.
26. You will need these for banks, insurance, and the DMV.
27. Locate the Will & Trust: Identify the Executor or Trustee named in the documents.
28. If no Will exists, Georgia law will determine the administrator.
29. Contact the Employer: Inquire about unpaid wages, life insurance, or 401(k) benefits.
30. Phase 4 – Notification & Protection (Days 10–14)
31. Notify Government Agencies: Social Security Administration (SSA) – to stop payments and check for survivor benefits.
32. Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable).
33. Protect Against Identity Theft: Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
34. Cancel the deceased’s driver’s license at the DMV.
35. Inventory Assets & Debts: Begin a list of bank accounts, real estate, and outstanding bills (mortgage, utilities).
36. Key Georgia Considerations
37. The Probate Process: Probate is the court process of validating a Will and distributing assets.
38. Georgia Advance Directive: Check if the deceased had a Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care, which may include body disposition preferences.
39. Professional Guidance: Many Georgia estates become complex quickly; consulting a probate attorney can prevent legal delays.
40. Moving Forward
41. Next Steps (Beyond Day 14):
42. Meeting with a CPA for estate taxes.
43. Filing the Will with the local Probate Court.
44. Formally closing or transferring bank and brokerage accounts.
45. An organized checklist doesn't replace grief, but it can reduce the burden of the unknown.
46. Presented by Attorney Joseph Williams Partner at Thrift McLemore. Disclaimer: This presentation is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney for specific guidance.
47. Thrift McLemore Business, Real Estate, Estate Planning Law Firm in Atlanta, Georgia — thriftlegal.com