In the first weeks after losing someone, the to-do list can feel crushing. I put together this gentle 30-day checklist for executors and families — not to rush you, but to give you a calm, ordered place to start. Take it one item at a time, and lean on professionals for the legal pieces.
Before anything else
Please go at your own pace. Nothing on this list has to happen today, and grief deserves room. This is simply a map so you are not trying to hold everything in your head. For legal and tax steps, lean on a probate attorney and CPA — I am a REALTOR®, and my role comes later, with the home.
Week 1: immediate priorities
- Order death certificates — several certified copies; many institutions require them.
- Secure the home — lock up, control keys, and make sure it is safe, especially if now vacant.
- Confirm insurance — notify the homeowner’s insurer; a vacant home may need special coverage.
- Locate the will and estate documents — the original will, any trust, and powers of attorney.
- Care for dependents and pets.
Weeks 2–3: organize and notify
- Gather financial records — mortgage, property taxes, HOA, utilities, bank and investment accounts.
- Notify key parties — relevant agencies, the mortgage servicer, and others as advised by your attorney.
- Keep paying critical bills where appropriate — especially the mortgage and insurance — to protect the home.
- Consult a probate attorney to determine the right path: full probate, a spousal property petition, a small estate affidavit, or trust administration.
- Avoid distributing or selling assets until you have authority and legal guidance.
Week 4: plan the path forward
- Understand the estate’s structure — will, trust, or intestate, and who the personal representative or trustee is.
- Begin the appointment process with your attorney if probate is needed (this leads to Letters).
- Get an early sense of the home’s value and condition — I can provide a no-obligation valuation for planning.
- Map the timeline — see my probate timeline guide.
- If the home is behind on payments, act quickly — review my AB 2424 deep dive and consult your attorney.
When the home comes into focus
Selling the home is rarely a week-one task — it usually waits until the representative has authority. But getting an early read on value, condition, and the right path saves time and money down the road. When you are ready, my probate home sale guide walks through the entire sale, and the distressed and inherited property hub ties everything together. There is never any pressure — reach out whenever it feels right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should an executor do first after a death in California?
Practical first steps include ordering several certified death certificates, securing and insuring the home, locating the original will and key documents, caring for dependents and pets, and consulting a probate attorney before taking legal steps. Selling the home comes later, after the personal representative has authority to act.
How many death certificates do I need?
Many families order several certified copies because banks, insurers, government agencies, and title companies often each require one. The exact number depends on how many accounts and institutions are involved. It is usually easier to order extra certified copies up front than to request more later.
Do I need to keep paying the mortgage after someone dies?
Generally, keeping critical bills like the mortgage and homeowner’s insurance current protects the home and the estate’s equity, especially if the home is now vacant. Confirm the specifics with your probate attorney, since the right approach depends on the estate’s finances and whether the loan is in default.
Can I sell the home in the first month?
Usually not. The personal representative typically needs to be appointed and hold Letters before listing and selling estate real property, which takes longer than 30 days. The first month is better spent securing the home, organizing documents, and consulting an attorney about the right path.
Should I start clearing out or distributing belongings right away?
It is usually best to wait until you have authority and legal guidance before distributing or selling assets, to avoid complications. Securing the home and documenting its contents is appropriate, but distributing belongings prematurely can create problems with heirs or the court. Ask your probate attorney about timing.
Is this checklist legal advice?
No. I am a REALTOR®, not an attorney or CPA. This is a compassionate, practical guide to help you organize the first month. For the legal and tax steps, including which probate path applies and when, consult a California probate attorney and a tax professional.
