The loss of a spouse is one of the most devastating events in a person’s life. Regardless of how long you have been married, losing your spouse means the loss of someone you were very close to and someone with whom you had a life.

In all of the difficult emotional aftermath of the loss of a spouse, it can be difficult to work through the details of how the decedent’s assets are to be distributed, but this is an important step that must be taken. Unfortunately, many people are confused as to how assets are to be handled after the death of a spouse, and this only adds to the stress and confusion of an already challenging time.

Know Your State’s Laws

In the majority of cases, surviving spouses are automatically entitled to the assets of the deceased spouse; however, your state may have specific laws that speak to this issue. As a result, you’re encouraged to work with an attorney who specializes in estate planning in your state.

For instance, if you live on Long Island, you will want to find an attorney who understands what surviving spouse rights NYC courts recognize. This can make a big difference in how assets are handled as the surviving spouse rights NYC courts recognize could be different than the surviving spouse rights other court systems recognize. To know more about surviving spouse rights in NYC, visit this website.

Obtaining a Death Certificate

Even though you know that your spouse has passed and that you are supposed to take possession of their assets, banks and other institutions will need documentation. You can provide this documentation in the form of an official death certificate in most cases.

The funeral service you use to handle the affairs of your spouse will provide you with copies of a death certificate, but you may also need to speak with someone from the coroner’s office or medical examiner’s office in your county or city. If additional documentation is required for you to take possession of your deceased spouse’s assets or accounts, you will be instructed by each account provider on how to proceed.

Read a similar article about rights of survivorship New York here at this page.