What to Do When Someone Dies in Iowa
24 tasks across 4 phases, from the first 24 to 48 hours through closing the estate. Check off each task as you go.
A step-by-step guide for the first days and weeks after losing a loved one. Take your time - most of these don't need to happen immediately.
If the death was in the last few days, start with what to do first in Iowa and come back to this list as things settle.
First 24-48 Hours
3 tasksPronouncement of Death
If death occurred at home, call 911 or the deceased's doctor. A medical professional must officially pronounce death.
Contact a Funeral Home
Choose a funeral home to transport and care for your loved one. They will guide you through many next steps.
Notify Immediate Family
Let close family members know. Consider designating one person to spread the word to extended family and friends.
First Week
5 tasksOrder Death Certificates
You'll need certified copies for banks, insurance, courts, and more. Order more than you think you need.
Locate Important Documents
Gather will, trust documents, insurance policies, and financial records. Check the deceased's files, safe deposit box, and email.
Create Asset Inventory
Create a detailed inventory of all assets and debts. This is required for probate and helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
Notify Social Security
Report the death to Social Security to stop benefits and potentially claim survivor benefits.
Notify Employer (if applicable)
Contact the deceased's employer about final paycheck, benefits, and life insurance.
First Month
9 tasksDecide: Attorney vs DIY
Decide whether to hire an attorney or handle probate yourself. This is a key early decision that affects cost and timeline.
Determine if Probate is Needed
Not all estates need to go through probate. The type of assets and their value determine this.
Notify Banks and Financial Institutions
Contact each bank, brokerage, and financial institution where the deceased had accounts.
Open Estate Bank Account
Open a dedicated bank account in the estate's name to receive and disburse estate funds. Never mix estate and personal funds.
Set Up Auto-Pay for Bills
Establish automatic payments from the estate account for ongoing bills to prevent service disruption during probate.
File Life Insurance Claims
Contact each life insurance company to file a claim. This can usually be done before probate.
Cancel or Transfer Services
Handle utilities, subscriptions, and services in the deceased's name.
Secure Property
Protect the deceased's home and belongings until the estate is settled.
Manage Vacant Property (If Applicable)
If property will be vacant for extended periods, take additional steps to protect it.
Ongoing (Weeks to Months)
7 tasksOpen Probate (if needed)
If the estate requires probate, file the appropriate petition with the court.
Notify Creditors
In formal probate, you may need to publish a Notice to Creditors and notify known creditors directly.
File Final Tax Returns
File the deceased's final income tax return and any estate tax returns if required.
Distribute Assets
After debts are paid and waiting periods end, distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Close Estate
File final papers with the court and be discharged as personal representative.
Clean Out and Prepare Property
Remove personal property and prepare real estate for sale or distribution. This is often one of the most time-consuming tasks.
Maintain Property During Probate
Perform regular maintenance to preserve property value and comply with fiduciary duties.
What to Do When Someone Dies
A step-by-step guide for the first days and weeks after losing a loved one. Take your time - most of these don't need to happen immediately.
Generated by settledestate.com • 7/16/2026
First 24-48 Hours
3 tasks
1. Pronouncement of Death
If death occurred at home, call 911 or the deceased's doctor. A medical professional must officially pronounce death.
Details
- -If death was expected (hospice care), hospice nurse can pronounce death
- -If unexpected, call 911 - they will send appropriate responders
- -Do not move the body until a professional arrives
2. Contact a Funeral Home
Choose a funeral home to transport and care for your loved one. They will guide you through many next steps.
Details
- -You can choose any licensed funeral home
- -They will transport the body from place of death
- -Ask about pricing - many states require itemized price lists
- -You don't need to make all decisions immediately
Funeral costs typically range from $2,000 (direct cremation) to $10,000+ (traditional burial)
3. Notify Immediate Family
Let close family members know. Consider designating one person to spread the word to extended family and friends.
Details
- -You don't have to make all the calls yourself
- -It's okay to ask someone to help notify others
- -Consider who else the deceased would want notified
First Week
5 tasks
4. Order Death Certificates
You'll need certified copies for banks, insurance, courts, and more. Order more than you think you need.
Details
- -The funeral home can order these for you (usually easiest)
- -Or order from your local Vital Records office or state department
- -We recommend 10-15 certified copies
- -Cost is typically $15-25 per copy
5. Locate Important Documents
Gather will, trust documents, insurance policies, and financial records. Check the deceased's files, safe deposit box, and email.
Documents to Find
- •Will and/or trust documents
- •Life insurance policies
- •Bank and investment account statements
- •Property deeds
- •Vehicle titles
- •Social Security card
- •Birth certificate
- •Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- •Divorce decree (if applicable)
- •Military discharge papers (DD-214) if veteran
6. Create Asset Inventory
Create a detailed inventory of all assets and debts. This is required for probate and helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
Details
- -Use a spreadsheet or notebook to document everything
- -Include estimated values where possible
- -List account numbers, policy numbers, and contact information
- -This inventory will be filed with probate court if probate is needed
- -Keep updating as you discover more assets
Consider getting professional appraisals for valuable items (jewelry, art, antiques) for tax and distribution purposes
8. Notify Social Security
Report the death to Social Security to stop benefits and potentially claim survivor benefits.
Details
- -Any Social Security payments received after death must be returned
- -Surviving spouse or children may be eligible for benefits
- -Lump sum death benefit of $255 may be available
How To
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-7pm local time
The funeral home often reports this, but confirm it was done
9. Notify Employer (if applicable)
Contact the deceased's employer about final paycheck, benefits, and life insurance.
First Month
9 tasks
9. Decide: Attorney vs DIY
Decide whether to hire an attorney or handle probate yourself. This is a key early decision that affects cost and timeline.
Details
- -Some states require attorneys for formal administration
- -Summary administration (smaller estates) can often be done without an attorney
- -Consider complexity: multiple beneficiaries, disputes, out-of-state property, or business interests increase complexity
- -Attorney fees vary by state and can sometimes be negotiated lower
- -DIY saves money but requires significant time and learning the legal process
Attorney fees typically range from $1,500-$10,000 depending on estate size, state, and complexity
10. Determine if Probate is Needed
Not all estates need to go through probate. The type of assets and their value determine this.
Details
- -Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts) pass outside probate
- -Jointly owned property with survivorship passes outside probate
- -Property in a trust passes outside probate
- -Only assets solely in the deceased's name typically require probate
10. Notify Banks and Financial Institutions
Contact each bank, brokerage, and financial institution where the deceased had accounts.
Details
- -Joint accounts: Surviving owner can usually continue using
- -Individual accounts: Will be frozen until probate or beneficiary claim
- -Safe deposit boxes: May need court order to access
What to Bring
- -Certified death certificate
- -Your ID
- -Letters of Administration (if probate is open)
- -Account numbers if known
12. Open Estate Bank Account
Open a dedicated bank account in the estate's name to receive and disburse estate funds. Never mix estate and personal funds.
Details
- -Account must be in the name of the estate (e.g., 'Estate of John Smith')
- -You'll need: Letters of Administration, death certificate, your ID, and EIN for estate
- -Apply for Estate EIN from IRS (free, takes minutes online)
- -All estate income (refunds, sales, distributions) goes into this account
- -All estate expenses (debts, taxes, maintenance) paid from this account
What to Bring
- -Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary
- -Certified death certificate
- -Your government-issued ID
- -Estate EIN from IRS
⚠️Never deposit estate funds into personal accounts - this is commingling and can have legal consequences
13. Set Up Auto-Pay for Bills
Establish automatic payments from the estate account for ongoing bills to prevent service disruption during probate.
Details
- -Set up auto-pay from estate account for: mortgage, property taxes, insurance premiums, utilities
- -Maintain coverage on all properties and vehicles until distribution
- -Prevents foreclosure, utility shutoffs, insurance lapses
- -Keep records of all auto-pay transactions for final accounting
⚠️Ensure estate account has sufficient funds to cover auto-payments
14. File Life Insurance Claims
Contact each life insurance company to file a claim. This can usually be done before probate.
Details
- -Life insurance proceeds go directly to named beneficiaries
- -Not part of probate (unless estate is the beneficiary)
- -Claims are usually paid within 30-60 days
What You Need
- -Policy number (if known)
- -Certified death certificate
- -Beneficiary's ID and Social Security number
- -Claim form (insurance company provides)
15. Cancel or Transfer Services
Handle utilities, subscriptions, and services in the deceased's name.
16. Secure Property
Protect the deceased's home and belongings until the estate is settled.
Details
- -Change locks if keys are unaccounted for
- -Continue homeowner's insurance
- -Maintain property (lawn, mail, etc.) to avoid appearing vacant
- -Don't distribute personal property until probate authorizes it
⚠️Standard insurance policies may not cover vacant properties after 30-60 days
17. Manage Vacant Property (If Applicable)
If property will be vacant for extended periods, take additional steps to protect it.
Details
- -Post 'No Trespassing' signs at all entrances
- -Inform local police department that property is vacant and who is authorized to access
- -Consider hiring property management for periodic inspections
- -Maintain utilities (especially electricity and water) to prevent damage
- -Forward mail to personal representative's address
⚠️Contact your insurance provider about Vacant Property Insurance Rider - standard coverage typically lapses after 30-60 days of vacancy
Ongoing (Weeks to Months)
7 tasks
21. Open Probate (if needed)
If the estate requires probate, file the appropriate petition with the court.
Details
- -Probate requirements vary by state - check your state's specific rules
- -Different types of administration may be available based on estate size and timing
- -Check if attorney representation is required in your state
22. Notify Creditors
In formal probate, you may need to publish a Notice to Creditors and notify known creditors directly.
Details
- -Check your state's requirements for creditor notification
- -Many states require publishing in a local newspaper
- -Mail notice to all known creditors
- -Creditors have a set period to file claims (varies by state)
23. File Final Tax Returns
File the deceased's final income tax return and any estate tax returns if required.
24. Distribute Assets
After debts are paid and waiting periods end, distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Details
- -Follow the will's instructions, or intestate succession rules if no will
- -Get receipts from beneficiaries for their distributed assets
- -File final accounting with court (formal administration)
25. Close Estate
File final papers with the court and be discharged as personal representative.
Details
- -File final accounting
- -Obtain receipts from all beneficiaries
- -File petition for discharge
- -Court issues order closing estate
19. Clean Out and Prepare Property
Remove personal property and prepare real estate for sale or distribution. This is often one of the most time-consuming tasks.
Details
- -Get agreement from all beneficiaries on personal property division
- -Document everything with photos and inventory lists
- -Keep sentimental items aside for discussion
- -Separate items for: keep by heirs, sell, donate, discard
⚠️Don't start cleanout until probate authorizes personal property distribution (after creditor period ends)
20. Maintain Property During Probate
Perform regular maintenance to preserve property value and comply with fiduciary duties.
Details
- -Keep receipts for all maintenance paid from estate funds
- -Document with photos before and after work (for accounting)
- -Choose contractors carefully - get quotes, check references
- -Regular maintenance is cheaper than major repairs from neglect
Plan $200-500/month average for property maintenance during probate (varies by property size and condition)
Helpful Tips
Keep a Log
Document every call, letter, and action you take. Note dates, names, reference numbers, and outcomes.
Get Help
You don't have to do this alone. Family members, friends, attorneys, and financial advisors can share the load.
Be Patient with Yourself
Grief makes everything harder. It's normal for simple tasks to feel overwhelming. Take breaks when you need them.
Watch for Scams
Unfortunately, scammers target grieving families. Be wary of unsolicited calls about debts, warranties, or services.
You Can Say 'I'll Call Back'
You don't have to make decisions on the spot. It's always okay to say you need time to think or consult with family.
Generated by settledestate.com
Sources: State probate statutes and codes, IRS Publication 559 - Survivors, Executors, and Administrators, Social Security Administration
7/16/2026
There is no rush on this. When you are ready, a short assessment can help you see whether the estate needs probate.
Keep This Checklist Handy
Download a print-friendly PDF version to reference offline or share with family members.
Helpful TipsPractical notes for organizing tasks, records, and requests
Keep a Log
Document every call, letter, and action you take. Note dates, names, reference numbers, and outcomes.
Get Help
You don't have to do this alone. Family members, friends, attorneys, and financial advisors can share the load.
Be Patient with Yourself
Grief makes everything harder. It's normal for simple tasks to feel overwhelming. Take breaks when you need them.
Watch for Scams
Unfortunately, scammers target grieving families. Be wary of unsolicited calls about debts, warranties, or services.
You Can Say 'I'll Call Back'
You don't have to make decisions on the spot. It's always okay to say you need time to think or consult with family.
Sources: State probate statutes and codes, IRS Publication 559 - Survivors, Executors, and Administrators, Social Security Administration
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