Information
The information below are items that may need to be addressed when a loved one passes. This is a general list and does not cover all items. For questions and more information please Email Us or call us at 616-887-1761.
Sparta, Michigan | 616.887.1761
The information below are items that may need to be addressed when a loved one passes. This is a general list and does not cover all items. For questions and more information please Email Us or call us at 616-887-1761.
Claims should be filed within the month of death or the following month at the nearest Social Security Administration office. Claims for the lump sum death benefit must be filed within two years after death or benefits will not be honored. The is no charge for the Administration’s assistance in the filing of claim papers. The Social Security Administration requires the following information:
Contact the agents of all insuring companies as soon as possible. Agents will supply the necessary claim forms. All policies should be closely examined with agents – including lapsing policies to check for any extended coverage. Any survivors’ life insurance policies, which name the deceased as the beneficiary, should be changed.
Any titled, automotive vehicle, such as a car, truck or recreational vehicle, becomes a part of the estate when the deceased is the sole owner. For information regarding the transfer of title, contact the local license bureau or an attorney.
When a death occurs, a safety deposit box provides the tight security the name implies. Regardless of whether a safety deposit box is held in the deceased’s name, or jointly, the box may be sealed until an official takes inventory of the contents. Consult the bank regarding legal procedures.
Promptly contact issuing brokers. Stocks and bonds held solely in the deceased’s name must generally be probated; those owned jointly can be transferred to the surviving owner. Contact and attorney for consultation regarding tax problems.
Anyone who was a member of the military at the time of death, or honorably discharged from the military, is subject to a number of benefits, which should be investigated.
Documentation required for benefits:
Consult your local Administration office about other proofs which may be acceptable.
Inquire about the following benefits:
Consult an attorney or your bank to answer any specific questions. A bank account solely in the deceased’s name may require probate action or consent to transfer from a government agency. Some banks may permit a release from smaller accounts for the payment of funeral expenses. Consult an attorney concerning the legalities of a survivor withdrawing from a joint account.
Real estate jointly held by a husband and wife is transferred to the surviving spouse. The services of an attorney- as in all real estate matters-are advisable. Property, which is solely in the deceased’s name, or owned jointly by the deceased and a party other than the surviving spouse, may require probate action whether or not a will exists.
Savings bonds held in the sole name of the deceased must generally be probated. Bonds may be transferred to a named survivor, subject to estate taxes. Consult a tax advisor, banker or attorney.
Consult employers or an attorney regarding the status of retirement plans and survivor benefits. If the deceased was paying into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) – if self-employed or without an employer’s pension plan – the amount in the account will go to the beneficiaries. Consult the agent for the IRA (insurance agent, broker or bank) or an attorney.
Your estate, when evaluated for Federal estate taxes, will probably be much larger than you think. Generally included in your taxable estate are life insurance, real estate, stocks and bonds, personal checking and savings accounts, market value of business interests, household furniture, collections, autos and other tangible property. Be certain to consult an attorney periodically about current federal state and inheritance tax laws.
Other property may be included in your taxable estate such as gifts of property made by you or to you, property in trusts created by you and property in truss for you. Your estate will pay less taxes- and your survivors will receive more of your hard-earned estate-if you plan.