Guides for the first weeks after a death
- First Steps After a Death: For the family: the first days and weeks, before anyone has legal authority.
- Your First 30 Days as Executor (this page): For the executor: the court filing, notices and duties in the first month.
- What Should an Executor Do First With a House?: Just the house: securing, insuring and caring for it until it is sold or distributed.
You Don't Have to Do Everything at Once
Being named executor or personal representative of an estate is an honor — and a significant responsibility. It's also something most people have never done before, often while also grieving.
The good news: not everything has to happen immediately. The first 30 days are about securing, notifying, and stabilizing — not resolving everything.
Week 1 — Secure and Locate
Secure the property
If the deceased owned a home, make sure it is locked, safe, and protected. Change the locks if needed. Notify the homeowner's insurance company of the death — policies may require prompt notification, and an unoccupied home may need additional coverage.
Locate the will
Find the original signed will. Check home files, safe deposit boxes, and with the person's attorney. The original document matters — copies are generally not accepted by courts.
Identify and secure financial accounts
Locate bank statements, investment accounts, and any other financial documents. Do not close accounts yet — but note what exists and where.
Do not distribute anything yet
Even if the will is clear, nothing should be distributed to heirs until the estate has been properly administered. Distributing assets prematurely can create personal liability for the executor.
Week 2 — Notify
File the will with the court
In Washington State, the will is filed with the Superior Court. The petitioner may choose any county, and within four months a party can ask to move the case to the county where the person lived (RCW 11.96A.050). Filing begins the probate process if one is required.
Obtain death certificates
You will need multiple certified copies — typically 8 to 12. These are required by banks, title companies, government agencies, and insurance companies. Order more than you think you need.
Notify Social Security
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, notify the Social Security Administration promptly. Benefits paid after the date of death must be returned.
Notify financial institutions
Contact banks, investment firms, and retirement account custodians to notify them of the death and begin the process of transferring or closing accounts.
Notify the post office
Forward mail to an address where you can monitor it for bills, financial statements, and other important correspondence.
Week 3–4 — Stabilize
Continue paying necessary bills
Mortgage payments, utilities, and insurance on estate property should continue to be paid from estate funds. An unpaid mortgage can lead to foreclosure; lapsed insurance can leave property unprotected.
Inventory assets and debts
Begin a written list of everything the estate owns and owes. This inventory will be required as part of the probate process and is essential for making distribution decisions later.
Meet with an estate attorney
If you haven't already, now is the time. Washington State probate has specific requirements and deadlines. An experienced estate planning or probate attorney can walk you through what's required for this specific estate.
Assess the real property
If the estate includes a home or other real estate, begin thinking about what will need to happen with it. A professional appraisal establishes the date-of-death value, which matters for tax purposes and for equitable distribution among heirs.
What Can Wait
- Selling the home (unless there is financial urgency)
- Resolving disagreements among heirs
- Distributing personal property
- Closing the estate
These are all important — but they come after the stabilization steps above are complete.
Need Help Navigating the Real Estate Side?
For the real estate itself, you can contact the site's featured broker or featured certified appraiser directly, or hire any licensed professional you choose.