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Message PREPARED BY:Kelly L. Olczak, CFP®Managing PartnerLynnLeigh & Company1160 A Pittsford-Victor RoadPittsford, NY 14534FINDING YOUR BEARINGSLynnLeigh & Company, LLCA Guided Path Through Loss
A P R A C T I C A L G U I D E T O W H A T ’ S N E X TYour Next Chapter: Navigating Life After LossLosing someone you love can make even the smallest decisions feeloverwhelming. You may not have chosen this chapter—but you don’t have towalk through it alone.At LynnLeigh & Company, we’ve helped many clients navigate moments likethese. We believe thoughtful planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s aboutsteadying your footing when everything feels uncertain. It’s about honoringyour grief while making space for what comes next.If you’re feeling unsure about your next steps, know this: you don’t have tofigure it all out today. Whether you need a listening ear or help organizing thedetails, we’re here to walk beside you.Let’s talk about what matters most—and where you’d like to go from here.
Losing a loved one is incredibly challenging, and the decisions and tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. This guide ishere to help you through the necessary steps during such a tough time. Since everyone’s situation is unique, it’s a good ideato talk with an estate-planning attorney and a qualified tax professional who can provide specific guidance tailored to yourneeds.When you're ready, we at LynnLeigh & Company are here to work alongside your attorney and tax advisor to streamline theestate administration process. Our goal is to make things as smooth and efficient as possible for you and your family.A Survivor’s GuideImmediate C o n c e r n sNotification:The first step is to notify close family and friends of the passing. This can also include informing any relevant religious,spiritual, or community leaders who need to be involved in subsequent arrangements.See the Personal Contacts document in this binder for contact informationArranging the Funeral and Memorial Services:Deciding on and organizing the funeral, memorial service, or other forms of final farewell according to the wishes of thedeceased or the family's preferences. This involves choosing a funeral home, deciding on burial or cremation, and planningthe details of the ceremony.See the Funeral and Burial Information document this binder for your loved one’s prearrangements and last requests.See the Location of Important Documents pages in the binder for the location of your loved on’s will and other estate-planning documents.Securing the Deceased’s Property:This includes securing the deceased’s home, vehicle, and any other significant properties to ensure they are safe and sound.It’s also important to collect and safeguard the deceased's personal items like keys, financial documents, and personalrecords.Place Obituary in the Local Newspaper:The funeral director can help place the obituary in the local newspaper.Notify your loved one’s employer:Contact the personnel department of your loved one’s current employer(s) to collect any salary, vacation or sick pay owed.Inquire about continuing health insurance coverage and potential survivors’ benefits for a spouse or children.If the death was work-related, you can potentially file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits through your lovedone’s employer and/or trade union.Arrange to retrieve your loved one’s personal belongings from the employer(s).Contact Your Own Employer and Arrange for Bereavement Leave.
Losing a loved one is incredibly challenging, and the decisions and tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. This guide ishere to help you through the necessary steps during such a tough time. Since everyone’s situation is unique, it’s a good ideato talk with an estate-planning attorney and a qualified tax professional who can provide specific guidance tailored to yourneeds.When you're ready, we at LynnLeigh & Company are here to work alongside your attorney and tax advisor to streamline theestate administration process. Our goal is to make things as smooth and efficient as possible for you and your family.A Survivor’s GuideImmediate C o n c e r n sContact the schools of your loved one’s children, if applicable. Notify the appropriate parties if your loved one was a member of any professional organizations, charitableorganizations or labor unions. Obtain certified copies the death certificates.Your loved one’s family doctor or the medical examiner can provide a death certificate within 24 hours of the death. Thefuneral home should complete the form and file it for you.Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate through the local office of vital statistics (some agencies orcompanies will only accept a certified copy of the death certificate).You will need a certified copy of the death certificate to receive distributions from life insurance policies, re-register ortransfer investment accounts, and transfer personal property and real estate.Contact your loved one’s financial advisor and other professional contactsSee the Professional Contacts document in this binder for these contacts.Engaging with professionals like estate-planning attorneys and tax advisors early on can help in managing the legal andfinancial aspects of the estate efficiently. They can provide guidance on wills, inheritance, taxes, and other criticalmatters.The financial advisor can help determine what investments your loved one owns and help assess the valuation on date ofdeath. He or she can also help in the transfer of assets to a beneficiary.Review Your Loved One’s Financial Affairs. See the Estate-Planning Information and Location of Important Documents pages in this binder for information regardingestate-planning documents.Locate any marriage certificates, children’s birth or adoption certificates and military discharge papers, which you mayneed to apply for benefits. You may find these documents in a safe-deposit box or copies of these documents with yourloved one’s estate-planning attorney.Consider having a witness present when opening the safe-deposit box. If there is no one authorized to open the safe-deposit box, petition the court for an order to open. Be sure to record the contents of the box.Duplicate copies of marriage and birth certificates are available at the county clerk’s office where the marriage andbirths occurred.To receive a duplicate copy of a military discharge, contact the National Personnel Records Center.
Losing a loved one is incredibly challenging, and the decisions and tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. This guide ishere to help you through the necessary steps during such a tough time. Since everyone’s situation is unique, it’s a good ideato talk with an estate-planning attorney and a qualified tax professional who can provide specific guidance tailored to yourneeds.When you're ready, we at LynnLeigh & Company are here to work alongside your attorney and tax advisor to streamline theestate administration process. Our goal is to make things as smooth and efficient as possible for you and your family.A Survivor’s GuideImmediate C o n c e r n sContact Your Loved One’s Estate-Planning AttorneySee the Professional Contacts document in this binder for the estate-planning attorney’s contact information.The estate-planning attorney can coordinate the probate process and may have copies of any will or trust documents.Report the death to the Social Security AdministrationContact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213If your loved one received benefits via direct deposit, request that the financial institution return the excess funds receiveto Social Security.Return all checks received to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible.Surviving spoused may be eligible for a lump-sum death benefit and/or survivor’s benefit.For instructions or additional information, contact your local Social Security Administration office, visit www.ssa.gov orcall 800-772-1213
Honoring your final wishes is a significant responsibility that your loved ones will take to heart. Yet, making importantdecisions during such an emotional time can be incredibly challenging. By filling out the information below, you can make iteasier for your loved ones to carry out your wishes and any arrangements you've made in advance, even during thesedifficult moments.Funeral and Burial InformationOrgans to Be DonatedName of Institution or HospitalAddressAddressOrgans to Be DonatedOther Wishes* Other Wishes*Phone NumberPhone NumberName of Institution or HospitalList of Organizations to WhichDonations Can be Made inYour NameList of Organizations to WhichDonations Can be Made inYour Name
Review the information about your loved one’s assets in the binder and make any additions or updates.Put safeguards in place to protect any property.Make sure you continue to make mortgages and insurance payments while settling the estate.Locate insurance policies.See the Insurance Inventory document in this binder for information regarding your loved one’s insurance policiesContact all insurance companies to file claims.If your loved one owned an annuity, you and your loved one’s financial advisor should carefully review the annuitycontract to ensure that any amount payable to the decedent, or his or her estate, are collected. If an heir is entitled tocontinued payments from the annuity, contact provider to transfer payments to that heir.Notify credit card companies.See the Banking, Mortgage and Debt Information document in the binder for more details.Cancel all cards unless you are named on the account and wish to retain the card.Contact past employers regarding pension plans, and contact Individual Retirement Accountcustodians or trustees.See the Estate-Planning Information document in this binder for designated beneficiaries and after-death distributionoptions.Your loved one’s financial advisor, estate-planning attorney and qualified tax professional can help transfer ownership ofretirement account assets to designated beneficiaries.See the Estate-Planning Information document in this binder for the contact information.Notify your loved one’s financial institution(s) to retitle or distribute the account(s)See the Professional Contacts document in this binder for any financial institution’s contact information.Retitle jointly held assets, such as bank accounts, vehicles, stocks, bonds and real estate.See the Professional Contacts document in this binder for additional details.Notify utility companies
File the will with the appropriate probate court.If your loved one owned real estate out of state, then you’ll need to file ancillary probate in that state as well.If there is no will, contact the probate court for instructions or a probate attorney for assistance. Notify your loved one’s creditors by mail or by placing a notice in the local newspaperClaims must be made within the statute of limitations, which varies from state to state (30 days from actual notice iscommon.Be sure to insist on proof of all claims.File a federal estate tax return within nine months of deathState laws vary, but you may need to file state estate tax and/or inheritance tax returns.Federal and state income taxes are due for the year of death on the normal filing date.Consult a qualified tax professional for assistance.Consider consolidating your loved one’s IRAs.You will still need to take required minimum distribution from IRAs if you loved one was eligible.Within Three to Nine Months after DeathUpdate your own estate plan if your loved one was a beneficiary or appointed as an agent, trustee or a guardian.Update beneficiary designationsReview and revise your beneficiary designations on your retirement plans, including IRAs and Transfer on Deathdesignation where the decedent was a named beneficiary.Within Nine Months to One Year after DeathRe-evaluate your short- and long-term finances.Re-evaluate investments within your portfolioAs changes occur your life and in the markets, your investments may not always be in alignment with your long-termfinancial goals.Re-evaluate investments within your portfolioReview your current insurance policies and needs to determine if there are any gaps in coverage.Update beneficiary designations on insurance policies on which the decedent was the named beneficiary
Name of Financial InstitutionThis document can help your team of estate-planning professionals and your survivors locate important informationrelevant to the estate planning process. This information will help ensure that your wishes are cared out as you intended.Please note that is a section does not apply to your situation, you may leave it bland or write “N/A” in the appropriate spaces.Estate-Planning InformationSafe-Deposit BoxAddressLegal DocumentsNameNameWillDate of Last WillDate of Last WillName of Executor/PersonalRepresentativePhone Number(s)Name of Executor/PersonalRepresentativePhone Number(s)TrustDate of Last ReviewLivingTestamentaryWillTrustLivingTestamentaryName of Trustee(s)Phone Number (s)Name of SuccessorTrustee(s)Phone Number(s)Date of Last ReviewName of Trustee(s)Phone Number (s)Name of SuccessorTrustee(s)Phone Number(s)
This document can help your team of estate-planning professionals and your survivors locate important informationrelevant to the estate planning process. This information will help ensure that your wishes are cared out as you intended.Please note that is a section does not apply to your situation, you may leave it bland or write “N/A” in the appropriate spaces.Estate-Planning InformationDurable Power of AttorneyDate of Last ReviewName of Executor/PersonalRepresentativePhone Number(s)Durable Power of AttorneyDate of Last ReviewName of Executor/PersonalRepresentativePhone Number(s)Health Care Proxy/Living WillDate of Last ReviewName of Executor/PersonalRepresentativePhone Number(s)Date of Last ReviewName of Executor/PersonalRepresentativePhone Number(s)Health Care Proxy/Living WillHome or Other Real EstateDescription & Property Location Name(s) on Title Date ValuedMarket Value Mortgage Equity$ $ $$ $ $$ $ $Total Net Value$Rental PropertyDescription & Property Location Name(s) on Title Date ValuedMarket Value Mortgage Equity$ $ $$ $ $$ $ $$Total Net ValueTotal Monthly Income$
$$This document can help your team of estate-planning professionals and your survivors locate important informationrelevant to the estate planning process. This information will help ensure that your wishes are cared out as you intended.Please note that is a section does not apply to your situation, you may leave it bland or write “N/A” in the appropriate spaces.Estate-Planning InformationOther Titled Property (Automobile, Motorcycle or Boat)Description & Property Location Name(s) on Title Date ValuedMarket Value Mortgage Equity$ $$ $$ $ $Total Net Value$Leased Vehicles or PropertyDescription Name(s) on Title Location Lease Expiration DateStocks, Bonds or Mutual Funds (Including Company Stock) Outside an Invest ment AccountNo. ofSharesName ofSecurityName(s) onAccountDate ValuedPurchase PriceCurrent ValuePaperCertificates$ $$ $$ $ Yes No Yes No Yes No
$This document can help your team of estate-planning professionals and your survivors locate important informationrelevant to the estate planning process. This information will help ensure that your wishes are cared out as you intended.Please note that is a section does not apply to your situation, you may leave it bland or write “N/A” in the appropriate spaces.Estate-Planning InformationRetirement Plans, such as IRAs, ROTHs, 403(b), 401(k) or PensionName of Financial InstitutionPhone NumberAccountNumberPrimaryBeneficiaryContingentBeneficiary ApproximateAccount Value$$$$Money Owed to Y0uDescriptionWho?ApproximateValuePaperwork forthe Loan$$$ Yes No Yes No Yes NoDate ofLoanTerm ofLoanInterest ofLoan
Location of Important DocumentsLast Will & TestamentDocumentsEstate DocumentsSuggested Timeto RetainSuggested Location ofThese DocumentsActual Location ofOriginal DocumentsIndefinitely Attorney & Safe-Deposit BoxLiving Will/Health Care Proxy Indefinitely HomeDurable Power of Attorney Indefinitely HomePersonal Trust Account Indefinitely Trustee & Safe-Deposit BoxTrustee Information IndefinitelyCharitable Trust Account IndefinitelyTrustee & Safe-Deposit BoxTrustee & Safe-Deposit BoxCharitable Donation Preferences Indefinitely Attorney & Safe-Deposit BoxBurial Instructions Indefinitely Home & Copy in This BinderCemetery Plot Deed IndefinitelyPrepaid Cremation Papers IndefinitelyLetter of Instruction to Executor IndefinitelyDeath Certificate(s) IndefinitelyHomeSafe-Deposit BoxHome & Copy in This BinderHome & Copy in This BinderSocial Security CardAdditional Documents &InformationPersonalSuggested Timeto RetainSuggested Location ofThese DocumentsActual Location ofOriginal DocumentsIndefinitely HomeBirth Certificates Indefinitely Safe-Deposit BoxPassport/Citizenship(Naturalization) PapersIndefinitely Safe-Deposit Box
Location of Important DocumentsAdoption PapersPersonalSuggested Timeto RetainSuggested Location ofThese DocumentsActual Location ofOriginal DocumentsIndefinitelyMarriage Certificates IndefinitelyPrenuptial Agreement IndefinitelyDivorce or Separation Papers IndefinitelyMilitary Service Records IndefinitelySafe-Deposit Box Key IndefinitelyAdditional Documents &InformationSafe-Deposit BoxSafe-Deposit BoxSafe-Deposit BoxSafe-Deposit BoxSafe-Deposit BoxHomeReal Estate DeedsAdditional Documents &InformationOwnershipSuggested Timeto RetainSuggested Location ofThese DocumentsActual Location ofOriginal DocumentsUntil Transfer ofPropertyHome Purchase and HomeImprovement RecordsAs Long As YouOwn The HomeSafe-Deposit BoxVehicle TitlesUntil Sale or Discard ofVehicleSafe-Deposit BoxSafe-Deposit BoxOther Titles of OwnershipUntil Sale of Discardof ItemsAppraisal and Inventory ofValuable ItemsKeep CurrentHousehold InventorySafe-Deposit BoxReceipts for Major PurchasesUntil ExpirationStock and/or Bond CertificatesUntil Cashed in orSoldHomeHomeKeep CurrentSafe-Deposit BoxSafe-Deposit Box
Investment Purchase andSale Record (TradeConfirmationsOwnership (cont.)Suggested Timeto RetainSuggested Location ofThese DocumentsActual Location ofOriginal DocumentsSix Years after Tax-Filing Deadline in theYear of the Sale*Additional Documents &InformationSafe-Deposit BoxPrior Year’s Federal & StateTax ReturnAdditional Documents &InformationTaxSuggested Timeto RetainSuggested Location ofThese DocumentsActual Location ofOriginal DocumentsSix Years from FilingDateFederal & State Gift TaxReturnsHomeProperty & School TaxRecordsHomeHomeSix Years from FilingDateSix Years from FilingDate
Use this document to help locate banking, mortgage and debt informationBanking, Mortgage and DebtManagementWebsiteServicesSavings Account(s)BankingFinancial InstitutionChecking Account(s)Money Market Account(s)Debit Card(s)Online Bill PayOther _________________________________________MortgageName of FinancialInstitutionDescriptionContactWebsiteWebsiteServicesSavings Account(s)Financial InstitutionChecking Account(s)Money Market Account(s)Debit Card(s)Online Bill PayOther _________________________________________WebsiteServicesSavings Account(s)Financial InstitutionChecking Account(s)Money Market Account(s)Debit Card(s)Online Bill PayOther _________________________________________Home Equity Loans/Lines of CreditName of FinancialInstitutionDescriptionContactWebsite
BankingIssuer & TypeCustomer Service Phone Number (Lost Card)WebsiteCredit CardsName of FinancialInstitutionDescriptionContactWebsiteVehicle Loans (Automobile, Motorcycle, BoatsName of FinancialInstitutionDescriptionContactWebsiteEducation LoansName of FinancialInstitutionDescriptionContactWebsitePersonal Loans/Lines of CreditName of FinancialInstitutionDescriptionContactWebsiteOther Debt
Honoring your final wishes is a significant responsibility that your loved ones will take to heart. Yet, making importantdecisions during such an emotional time can be incredibly challenging. By filling out the information below, you can make iteasier for your loved ones to carry out your wishes and any arrangements you've made in advance, even during thesedifficult moments.Funeral and Burial InformationName NameMemorial Service Information Memorial Service InformationHave Your Prearranged Your Funeral Have Your Prearranged Your FuneralYesNoYesNoName of FuneralHome or MortuaryAddressPhone NumberAddressPhone NumberName of FuneralHome or MortuaryVisitationVisitation LocationAddressPhone NumberAddressPhone NumberVisitationVisitation LocationFuneralFuneral LocationAddressPhone NumberAddressPhone NumberFuneralFuneral LocationName of Person to ConductServiceAddressPhone NumberAddressPhone NumberName of Person to ConductServiceName of Alternative Personto Conduct ServiceAddressPhone NumberAddressPhone NumberName of Alternative Personto Conduct Service
Honoring your final wishes is a significant responsibility that your loved ones will take to heart. Yet, making importantdecisions during such an emotional time can be incredibly challenging. By filling out the information below, you can make iteasier for your loved ones to carry out your wishes and any arrangements you've made in advance, even during thesedifficult moments.Funeral and Burial InformationName NameMusic MusicName of Musician(s)Phone Number(s)Phone Number(s)Special RequestsBurial InformationName of CemetaryAddressPhone NumberAddressPhone NumberBurial InformationName of CemetaryPlot NumberPlot NumberName of Musician(s)Special Requests(i.e., type of casket, readings, specific clothing)(i.e., type of casket, readings, specific clothing)Have You Prepaid for a Funeral Plot Have You Paid for a Funeral PlotYesNo YesNoCremation Information Cremation InformationHave You Prepaid for a Funeral Plot Have You Paid for a Funeral PlotYesNo YesNoIf so, where?If so, where?Other Wishes* Other Wishes*Donate Your Organs or Body?Donate Your Organs or Body?YesNo YesNo
ChildrenThis document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsPersonal ContactsNamePhone Number EmailGrandchildrenNamePhone Number EmailOther Emergency ContactsNamePhone Number Email
Financial AdvisorThis document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsProfessional ContactsName Phone NumberFirm Name EmailCPA/Tax PreparersName Phone NumberFirm Name EmailName Phone NumberFirm Name EmailAttorney(s)Name Phone NumberFirm Name EmailName Phone NumberFirm Name EmailInsurance BrokersName Phone NumberFirm Name EmailName Phone NumberFirm Name Email
Primary Care Physician(s)This document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsProfessional ContactsName Phone Number WebsiteOther Physician(s)Name Phone Number WebsiteHome Health Aide(s)Name Company Name Phone NumberDentist(s)Name Phone Number Website
Li fe I ns ur an ceThis document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsInsurance InventoryName of InsuredFace Value$Policy HolderDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy TypePremium Date DuePolicy NumberBeneficiariesName of InsuredFace Value$Policy HolderDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy TypePremium Date DuePolicy NumberBeneficiariesName of InsuredFace Value$Policy HolderDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy TypePremium Date DuePolicy NumberBeneficiaries
Li fe I ns ur an ceThis document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsInsurance InventoryName of InsuredFace Value$Policy HolderDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy TypePremium Date DuePolicy NumberBeneficiariesName of InsuredFace Value$Policy HolderDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy TypePremium Date DuePolicy NumberBeneficiariesName of InsuredFace Value$Policy HolderDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy TypePremium Date DuePolicy NumberBeneficiaries
Long-Term Care InsuranceThis document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsInsurance InventoryName of InsuredBenefit Amount$Policy OwnerDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy NumberPremium Date DueCompany NameAgent’s NamePhone NumberEmailProperty & Casualty InsuranceName of InsuredBenefit Amount$Policy OwnerDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy NumberPremium Date DueCompany NameAgent’s NamePhone NumberEmailLiability Insurance/Umbrella Policy
This document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsInsurance InventoryDisability InsuranceName of InsuredBenefit Amount$Policy OwnerDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy NumberPremium Date DueName of InsuredBenefit Amount$Policy OwnerDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy NumberPremium Date DueHealth InsuranceHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmailHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmailHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmail
This document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsInsurance InventoryDisability InsuranceName of InsuredBenefit Amount$Policy OwnerDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy NumberPremium Date DueName of InsuredBenefit Amount$Policy OwnerDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy NumberPremium Date DueHealth InsuranceHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmailHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmailHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmail
This document provides contact information regarding family members and friendsInsurance InventoryDisability InsuranceName of InsuredBenefit Amount$Policy OwnerDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy NumberPremium Date DueName of InsuredBenefit Amount$Policy OwnerDate IssuedCompany NamePremium$Policy NumberPremium Date DueHealth InsuranceHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmailHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmailHealth InsuranceProviderPhone NumberAgent’s NameEmail