Business documents
Speak with their business attorney, CPA, and any partners; operating agreements control succession
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
Their accountant, business partners, the Secretary of State business registry, and the operating or partnership agreement.
How
Search the Secretary of State business registry in each state where they may have registered an entity.
Ask the accountant for financial statements, tax returns, and the ownership records.
Read the operating agreement, partnership agreement, or buy sell agreement, which normally sets out what happens on death.
Check for key person or buy sell life insurance funding a purchase of their interest.
What to bring
A certified copy of the death certificate
Letters testamentary
Business names and EINs
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.