Closing accounts

Closing accounts after a death: the order that saves time

Do these in this order and you'll make fewer calls.

Closing someone's accounts is slow, but a sensible order saves a lot of repeated calls.

1. Gather paperwork first. Several certified death certificates (official copies with a raised or printed seal, usually ordered through the funeral home), plus letters testamentary (the court document that proves you're the executor), if there's probate.
2. Stop anything that costs money or could be misused. Credit cards, subscriptions, and auto-payments.
3. Contact the banks. Joint and POD accounts pass directly. Others may be frozen until the executor is confirmed.
4. Utilities and home services. Transfer or cancel, depending on what happens to the house.
5. Phone and email last. Security codes often go to that phone number and inbox, so keep them until everything else is done.