What to do first
Start quickly, but keep records clean from day one.
Early contact with banks and providers is usually for notification and information gathering, not full account access.
Step-by-step in Estate Suite
- Open the estate workspace and complete Assessment so core details are captured.
- Upload the death certificate and will (if there is one) in Documents.
- Open Correspondence and create first-contact items for banks, pension providers, insurers, and utilities.
- Add follow-up dates in Tasks for each contact so nothing is missed.
- Add known assets and liabilities even if values are still estimates.
- Keep notes, references, and response dates in one place so later stages are easier.
What to capture now
- Date of death and full legal name
- Will status (will found or no valid will)
- Who is acting (executor or administrator)
- Key institutions to contact
- First document uploads and reference numbers
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for every document before starting notifications
- Sending notices but not tracking follow-ups
- Mixing personal and estate money communication
- Keeping notes outside the workspace where they get lost
FAQ
How many death certificates should I order?
There is no fixed number. Many estates need multiple certified copies for institutions.
Can I start without full information?
Yes. Start with what you know and fill gaps as evidence arrives.
Do I need probate before contacting banks?
No. You can notify banks early and request date-of-death information before probate is granted.