Becoming a widow is painful, devastating and stressful.  You will not only experience emotional sorrow  with the loss of a loved one. You now have to face financial and legal decisions on your own.
Taking care of your financial affairs is an important priority as a widow.

Here is a list of things you will need to do after becoming a widow:

• As soon as it is practical, make an appointment with your attorney, financial advisor and accountant.
• Gather all important documents such as death certificate, birth and marriage certificates, powers of attorney, insurance policies, will, employee benefits, social security, veteran’s benefits, etc.
• Notify your banking institution(s) of your spouse’s death.
• Contact insurance companies to change beneficiaries if necessary.Have your financial advisor change joint investments.
• Change name with health insurance company and auto insurance company.
• Put credit card in your name or get a new one and cancel the joint card
• Change titles with the motor vehicle department and any other jointly owned property.
• Request a social security benefit if you are eligible.
• Prepare an estimate of all of your expenses including any children’s education expenses and financial liabilities.
• Designate a new Health Care Power of Attorney for yourself.
• Update your will.
• Before you invest any life insurance money you receive, make sure you have a financial advisor that you can trust. Its important for them to take time to explain the pros and cons of your investments to help you towards long term financial security.
• Establish a support network with people you have confidence in and can help you during this critical point in your life. They can be professionals, a family member or a trustworthy friend.

While most people are honest and trustworthy, there are scam artists out there that will try to take advantage of a grieving widow. Never give your personal or financial information to anyone that you did not contact first.

Answers from AZ