Contact banks, brokerages, and credit card issuers with a certified death certificate; ask what the institution needs from the probate court or trustee
Each institution's estate services or deceased account department, not a regular branch teller.
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
Each institution's estate services or deceased account department, not a regular branch teller.
How
Call each institution and ask for the estate unit, then ask exactly what documents they require.
Ask for the balance as of the date of death, which you will need for the estate inventory and tax filings.
Ask whether accounts are payable on death or transfer on death, since those pass directly to the named beneficiary without probate.
Report the death to the three credit bureaus so a deceased alert is placed on the file.
What to bring
A certified copy of the death certificate
Your photo ID
Letters testamentary or letters of administration once the court issues them
The trust document if accounts are held in trust
Timing
First week or two. Accounts with a named beneficiary can often be paid out within weeks, while probate accounts wait for letters.
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.