Duncan Legal, PC
Helping people solve life’s puzzles.
The sudden loss of a loved one is one of life’s most devastating and disorienting events. At Duncan Legal, PC, we understand that in the midst of grief, handling legal and personal responsibilities can feel impossible. While nothing can take away the pain of losing someone you love, knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath can provide some clarity—and help you begin to find your footing.
We’ve outlined the first actions you may need to take to protect your loved one’s wishes, secure their legacy, and care for yourself and your family during this difficult time.
1. Obtain the Death Certificate
The death certificate is one of the first documents you’ll need. It serves as the legal confirmation of death and is necessary to settle most financial and legal matters, including closing accounts, accessing life insurance, and initiating probate.
If your loved one passed away at a hospital or under hospice care, staff will typically handle this. If the death was unexpected at home, call 911 to begin the process.
At Duncan Legal, PC, we advise our clients to request at least 10–15 certified copies of the death certificate to avoid future delays.
2. Notify Family, Friends, and Employers
Informing others of a loved one’s passing is never easy. Start with immediate family members, close friends, and your loved one’s employer. If your loved one had social media accounts, you may choose to share a memorial post or use those platforms to notify others.
Employers will need time to manage internal communications, payroll, and benefits. To ease the emotional burden, consider writing a short message you can use across phone calls and emails.
At Duncan Legal, PC, we understand that grief can make these conversations even harder, and we’re here to support you in any way we can—including helping you prioritize communications.
3. Locate or Make Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
Some individuals plan or pre-pay for funeral, burial, or cremation arrangements in advance. If you’re able to locate documentation—such as a prepaid funeral contract, burial plot agreement, or instructions for religious or cultural practices—these can provide helpful guidance.
If no plans were made, decisions will fall to the family. Funeral homes, religious organizations, and support professionals can help create a respectful and meaningful tribute.
Our team at Duncan Legal, PC can also help you understand how final arrangements may affect estate administration, especially if assets need to be accessed quickly to cover costs.
4. Secure the Home and Property
Unfortunately, vacant homes can be vulnerable to theft, especially after obituary details are published. Take steps to secure the property and maintain peace of mind:
- Change locks and secure valuables
- Redirect mail to a trusted address
- Arrange care for pets or plants
- Let nearby neighbors or police know the home may be vacant
Duncan Legal, PC can work with you to create a checklist and ensure everything is protected as you move forward with the legal process.
5. Locate the Will or Estate Plan
Try to locate your loved one’s estate documents, including a will, trust, or any letter of instruction. These are often kept in a safe, a personal filing cabinet, or with the attorney who helped prepare the documents.
If Duncan Legal, PC was your loved one’s attorney, please contact us so we can guide you through the next steps.
If no will is found, the estate may be considered intestate, meaning the state of Colorado will determine how assets are distributed. This process can be lengthy and may not reflect your loved one’s wishes.
6. Lean on Legal Support for Next Steps
The legal responsibilities following a death can feel like an enormous burden—especially when layered on top of grief. A compassionate, knowledgeable estate planning attorney can provide peace of mind by guiding you through probate, identifying your role in the estate, and ensuring assets are distributed properly.
At Duncan Legal, PC, we offer clarity, care, and thoughtful legal counsel to help ease the weight of the unknown. We’re here to walk with you, step by step, through the legal and emotional complexities that follow a loss.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Grief doesn’t follow a formula, and there’s no right way to navigate this time. But you don’t have to face it alone.
With the right support—both personal and professional—you can take one step at a time toward honoring your loved one’s life and settling their affairs with grace and care.
When you’re ready, Duncan Legal, PC will be here to help you protect what matters most.
Need help navigating a recent loss?
We’re here to guide you with compassion and clarity. Reach out today—there’s no pressure, just support when you need it most.
Visit Us: 6436 S Racine Cir, Ste 227, Centennial, CO 80111
Call Us: (303) 394-2358
Learn More: www.duncanlegal.com
