You just lost someone. Now you're being asked to manage everything.
The first week after a loved one passes away is a blur—emotionally, mentally, physically. And if you’ve been named executor, you’re suddenly expected to think clearly, make decisions, and navigate legal, financial, and logistical responsibilities while grieving.
It’s not just paperwork. It’s not just passwords. It’s people. Emotions. Unfinished business. And sometimes, unspoken tension.
But you’re not alone in this—and you don’t have to do everything at once.
This guide is here to walk you through the first 7 days after becoming an executor. No legal jargon. No overwhelm. Just clear, compassionate steps to help you begin.
📌 Looking for a printable guide? You’ll find our free PDF download at the end of this article.
A quick story from my own experience...
In 2024, both of my in-laws passed away—on the same day, just four hours apart. It took us days before we could even access their home. We didn’t know if a will or trust existed. No one had shared those details.
While trying to hold everything together emotionally, I found myself digging through public probate records online. And that’s when I saw it: a document updating the deed to their home. That one clue led us to discover that a trust had been created years earlier—and it included the contact information for their estate attorney.
That moment shifted everything. It gave us direction when we had none.
If you’re facing something similar, here’s a simple 7-day guide to help you take the first steps.
📅 Day 1–2: Breathe, grieve, and gather support
- Let people know. Begin notifying immediate family, close friends, and anyone who needs to know early.
- Take care of the basics. Arrange temporary care for pets, check the home (fridge, trash, security), and secure valuables like jewelry or personal documents.
- Locate the will or trust. If you don’t have it, ask the family attorney, check safe deposit boxes or home lockboxes.
- Assign a point person. Even if you’re the executor, it helps to have someone (a sibling, cousin, or friend) help coordinate communication with extended family or community.
“You don't need to solve everything today. Your role is to create stability, not fix everything overnight.”
📅 Day 3: Get organized—digitally and physically
- Create a folder (physical or digital) for:
- Will/trust
- Life insurance policies
- Death certificate (you’ll need 10–15 copies later)
- Passwords and devices
- Financial documents
- Begin a list of accounts, assets, debts, and subscriptions you come across.
- Start a log of actions and conversations. You’ll thank yourself later.
If this feels overwhelming, try setting up a shared Google Drive or Dropbox and inviting 1–2 trusted family members to contribute.
📅 Day 4: Request the death certificate
You can usually order these through the funeral home. Ask for:
- 10–15 certified copies (you’ll need them for banks, insurance, Social Security, etc.)
- One digital copy, if available
📌 You’ll need a death certificate for nearly every formal action moving forward—don’t wait on this.
📅 Day 5: Notify key parties
Start with:
- The decedent’s employer (to stop paychecks and activate benefits)
- Social Security Administration (they’ll stop payments and may provide benefits)
- Mortgage company, landlord, or utility providers (to freeze or manage accounts)
📬 Set up mail forwarding through USPS to begin receiving notices or bills sent to the deceased’s address.
📅 Day 6: Secure property and insurance
- If no one is living in the home:
- Confirm homeowners insurance still applies after the death
- Adjust thermostat, stop newspaper delivery, check for leaks
- Take photos or video of the home and valuables for documentation
- Begin listing monthly expenses related to the estate
🏡 If you’re not nearby, ask a trusted friend or hire a property manager to check on the home weekly.
📅 Day 7: Begin legal steps (but don’t rush)
- If probate is required:
- File the will with the local court
- Begin application for “Letters Testamentary” to gain legal authority
- If you’re unsure about any part of this process, consult an estate attorney—this is where paid legal advice is worth it.
You do not need to meet with an attorney in the first 48 hours—but don’t wait more than 1–2 weeks to get on their calendar.
If you’re here, reading this, you’re already doing something important: you’re taking the first step. And that matters more than you know.
You don’t need to do it all perfectly. You just need a plan—and some support.
That’s what SageVault is here for.
📥 Free Download: The Executor’s Quick Start Guide
👉 Explore our Executor Services if you’d like one-on-one help
