My 83 year old step-mom died unexpectedly during an emergency surgery, her poor heart failed.
What should I do now now? Does anyone have a checklist of things to take care of after someone dies? She lived alone and I was taking care of her long-distance with local home-help. I have just flown into Arizona to try to figure things out. I am POA but I understand that ends with death.
My step-mom’s will explicitly states that it gives permission for “unsupervised probate of my estate” and the power to sell her property “without confirmation by any court.”
I assume that this means that I (acting as representative of beneficiary) can act without a lawyer? Does the bank need a copy of the will as well as the death certificate? (Yes I will call them.) I am on her AZ bank account but not her older MI credit union. Will the bank freeze her account when I call? I am concerned that all of her bills (phone, utilities, etc) are on auto-pay and that everything will get cut off.
No matter how things get handled, remember that you are not responsible for any money owed, her estate is. If no money then creditors don't get paid.
I would like to recommend the short simple book called "Please Don't Die! But if You Do, What Do I Do Next by Kurt J. Grube and Keith S. Grube, ESQ. with John Nevola. On Amazon.
The POA does indeed end with Death. There either is a will or not, and it either appoints you as Executor or not. If there is no will in the home then you will need to have the Trust and Estate Attorney help you to be appointed by the court to act as the Executor if there is no one else to take this on.
Wishing you good luck and so sorry for this loss.
May God grant you grieving mercies and strength during this difficult time.
Does she have any blood family? They will be considered legal next of kin. If not you can sign an affidavit that you are taking responsibility for her estate and depending on what she had, you won't even have to file probate.
Go to the State of Arizona attorney general website, it has great resources to help you navigate this difficult time. You can find the affidavit or ask the crematorium or funeral home, they have these resources available because they have to protect themselves from family drama.
There's a lot to do at first, but please make sure that you're taking time to grieve her as well.