We’re here for you throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about how we can support you during this time.

Legal Considerations

Why You Should Use Legal Services

When someone you care for passes away, there may be a range of strong emotions you and your family are experiencing. Add in the responsibility of making funeral arrangements, closing accounts and other business matters, dividing an estate and more, it can be overwhelming. Our funeral directors will be able to point you in the right direction of who to contact and what needs your attention first. To better understand your legal responsibilities, assistance with the steps to take with closing accounts and more, and to help minimize any family conflict, it is suggested that you contact a lawyer for a consultation.

Who is legally responsible for final arrangements?

It’s important to know who is legally responsible for making the final decisions for a loved one. If the deceased has not expressed their wishes through a written document such as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, or a Last Will and Testament, where the deceased has designated an agent to fulfill their wishes; then the chain of command is commonly as follows:

  • Legal Spouse/Partner
  • Surviving Adult Child/Children
  • Surviving Parent
  • Surviving Adult Sibling

A complete list for the order of who is responsible for making final arrangements can be found in A.R.S. 36-831.

Assets to Consider

The most common assets that will need your attention are as follows:

  • Life Insurance
  • Bank Accounts
  • Housing/Estate
  • Pets and Other Possessions
  • Investment Accounts
  • Digital Assets (websites, logos, photography or videos, and other virtual property)

Helpful Resources

  • Death and Finances: Eight Things to Do After a Loved One Passes Away
  • How to Close a Checking Account When a Loved One Dies
  • Letter of Last Instructions
  • Digital Assets

From Our Blog

  • Who to Notify When Someone Passes
  • Do You Qualify For Social Security Survivor Insurance?
  • After the Funeral | Handling Joint Accounts
  • What do Executors Do?
  • Wills
  • Digital Assets

Do You Have Questions?

We are happy to answer all your questions in great detail.

Contact Us