Questions people ask

More than you think. Many families need 10 or more, because banks, insurers, retirement accounts, and government agencies each want their own certified copy. The funeral home usually orders them for you, and ordering extras at the start is simpler and often cheaper than going back later.

Usually not. Family members generally aren't personally responsible for a loved one's debts unless they co-signed the loan, held a joint account, or live in a state with rules that create an obligation. Debts are paid out of the estate. Don't pay them from your own money, and tell collectors to contact the executor.

Their phone number, their email, and insurance on a home or car. Many accounts send verification codes by text, so shutting off the phone can lock you out of things you still need. Canceling home or auto insurance before the property is sold or transferred can leave it uncovered.

It varies widely by state and by how complicated the estate is. Simple estates can wrap up in a few months; ones with property, disputes, or unclear paperwork can take a year or more. If there's a house, significant assets, or family conflict, talk to a probate attorney early.

Not always. Small, simple estates often don't need one, and many states have a simplified process for them. Consult an attorney if there's real estate, a business, significant debt, an unclear or contested will, or family tension. One consultation is often enough to tell you which situation you're in.

Each platform has its own process for memorializing or closing an account, and they usually require a death certificate. Download photos and anything you want to keep before closing anything. Avoid logging in with their password, even if you have it; use the official process instead.

Send a death certificate to each of the three credit bureaus and ask them to flag the file as deceased. Keep the obituary free of their exact birth date, home address, and mother's maiden name. Arrange for someone to be at the house during the service.

No federal law requires paid bereavement leave, and FMLA generally doesn't cover grieving. Some states and many employers offer it, so check your employee handbook or ask HR what's available, including flexible scheduling when you come back.

There's no schedule, and it isn't a straight line. Many people find months four through eight harder than the first weeks, once the paperwork thins out and other people have moved on. If grief is making it hard to function, a grief counselor or support group helps more than most people expect. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.