Notifications log
Every organization to tell, how, when, whether it needs a certified copy, and the reference it gave you; and every account or device with the option its platform offers.
For a first pass, the organizations sheet is essential: its certified-copies column is how you count the copies to order. Accounts and devices can wait a few weeks (After the service). The who-to-notify table lists what each organization usually needs.
Organizations
One row per organization (After the service). The certified-copy column totals the copies to order. Write a reference or claim number the organization gives you, never the person's account number.
Accounts and devices
One row per online account or device (After the service). Platforms do not give out passwords; the option is usually to memorialize, close or request data.
How to use these sheets
- One organization per row. How you told them, the date, and any reference they gave.
- Count copies, do not guess. Put 1 in the copies column only where the organization asked for a certified copy; some accept a photocopy. The column total is the number to order.
- Accounts: the platform's option. Platforms do not give out passwords. The options are usually memorialize, close or request data.
The example rows are from Sam Okoro: the funeral home reported Ellen's death to Social Security, and her credit union asked for one certified copy. Details are invented.
Each organization sets its own requirements. This manual stops where the estate begins: accounts that need legal authority, probate and taxes go to the executor or administrator, the probate court's self-help center, an attorney or a tax professional.