From an AI search of the Internet, these are the documents needed:

A newly widowed person may need to gather a variety of documents to manage their affairs effectively. Here are some key documents to consider. Links to web sites will be in the boxes below.

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• Death Certificate: Essential for closing bank accounts and filing insurance claims. 

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      We suggest you speak to your lawyer regarding how many certified copies you should order.

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• Bank and Brokerage Accounts: Need to be closed in the name of the deceased. 

• Insurance Policies: To cancel or transfer policies in the name of the deceased. 

• Social Security: To inform the Social Security Administration of the death. 

• Health Insurance: To cancel or transfer health insurance policies. 

• Credit Cards and Loans: To cancel or transfer credit cards and loans in the name of the deceased. 

• Vital Records: Such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other important documents. 

These documents are crucial for managing the financial and legal affairs of a deceased person and ensuring that the surviving spouse can handle the necessary tasks without undue stress. It is advisable to have a comprehensive checklist to guide the process and to seek assistance from professionals if needed. 

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Death Certificates: Use either of the methods below. Sometimes the funeral home will arrange this for you.

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Federal Offices to Notify of a Death:

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State Offices to Notify of a Death:

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Non-Governmental Agencies to Notify:

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• Credit Bureaus: Request a death notice on the deceased's credit file to prevent identity theft or fraud. 

• Pension Providers: Contact the plan administrator to stop payments and inquire about survivor benefits. 

• Healthcare Providers: Inform doctors, specialists, dentists, and pharmacies to cancel appointments and prescriptions. 

• Clubs, Organizations, and Religious Institutions: Notify any groups the deceased belonged to, such as alumni associations, unions, volunteer groups, or churches.