Surviving Spouse Planning

They were your “better half”, your “soul mate”. It may feel tempting to put financial matters on the “back burner” while you’re mourning, but instead, take this time to assemble your “trusted team”: your attorney, tax professional and financial advisor. Reach out to team members who truly care about and listen to your needs and priorities.

There will be lots of well-meaning family members, friends and acquaintances who will attempt to give you unsolicited advice. Lean on your panel of experts and don’t make big decisions in haste or when you’re in an emotional state. Heirs or others may pressure you for money while you’re feeling vulnerable but just let your experts be the ones with the “big shoulders”. Please leave joint accounts open as it’s possible you’ll receive checks made out to your spouse or partner up to a year after their death.

After assembling your team, the most important thing is to be good to yourself: connect regularly with friends, get plenty of sleep, eat right and exercise.

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