When someone you love passes away, grief becomes the center of everything. The days blur, conversations feel heavy, and just getting through the basics can feel like a victory. What’s less talked about is the paperwork, the dozens of calls, forms, and account closures that sit in the background, quietly demanding attention.

At AnnCare, we’ve seen firsthand how these small but essential steps can add up to more than 100 hours of work. Families often start with the best intentions, but the same avoidable mistakes keep showing up, making the process harder than it needs to be.

Here are three of the most common ones and how to steer clear of them.

1. Waiting Too Long to Notify Key Accounts

When a loved one passes, it’s natural to focus on family first and let the “business side” wait. The problem is that certain institutions, like banks, insurance companies, and utility providers, don’t wait with you.

Why it matters:
Every organization has its own rules and deadlines. A delay in notifying them can mean continued charges hitting the account, missed insurance benefits, or in some cases, the risk of identity theft if accounts stay active too long.

How to avoid it:
Don’t try to take on everything at once. Instead, build a short, focused priority list. Start with the essentials: financial accounts, insurance providers, and core utilities. Write down the date you call and who you spoke to. This small step saves you from confusion and repeat conversations later.

2. Overlooking Less Obvious Accounts

Most people think of the big, visible things first like the main checking account, mortgage, electricity bill, etc. But in today’s world, there are often dozens of smaller accounts hidden in the background. Subscription streaming services, loyalty programs, digital storage, or even cryptocurrency wallets often slip through the cracks.

Why it matters:
These “small” accounts can add up. They may quietly drain funds, create confusion for heirs, or in some cases, hold real value that shouldn’t be lost.

How to avoid it:
Check recent credit card or bank statements for recurring charges. Look at saved logins in a password manager or browser. And don’t forget to search state unclaimed property websites. Many families are surprised to find money or forgotten accounts that surface there.

3. Taking It All On Yourself

It’s human nature to think, “I’ll just handle it.” But handling the administrative side of an estate can easily become a second job. Even without legal filings, families often spend weeks repeating the same story to different call centers, waiting on hold, and chasing signatures or forms.

Why it matters:
Doing it all alone adds stress to an already difficult season. It increases the risk of something getting missed and often stretches the process out longer than necessary.

How to avoid it:
Ask for help, even if that feels uncomfortable at first. Bring in a sibling, a trusted friend, or an advisor to share the load. Splitting up tasks makes it more manageable and gives you space to focus on healing.

Summary

Grief is heavy enough without adding a mountain of paperwork on top. The administrative details are important, but they don’t have to consume your time, energy, or peace of mind. With a clear plan, and the right support, you can move through the process more quickly and with less stress.

At AnnCare, we exist to carry this part of the load. By taking on the phone calls, forms, and follow-ups, we help families reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters: honoring their loved one and caring for each other.

‍