LEGAL MATTERS
After a death, there are many legal details to address. While it is not necessary to get a lawyer, there are certain cases where a lawyer's advice would be helpful. The time following the death of a loved one is extremely emotional, and even the closest family may have disagreements over small matters. A lawyer can help your family avoid costly mistakes and be a neutral advisor.
Before getting in touch with a lawyer there are several important documents to gather:
- Wills
- Deeds
- Bank Statements
- Insurance Policies
- Titles (Property, Vehicles, Boats, etc.)
- Tax Documents
The sections below address various areas to consider whether you are preparing in advance, or currently walking through a time of loss. Most of all, keep in mind that while it is important to take care of all of these activities, it's more important to move slowly at a pace that is comfortable for you during your grieving process.