Coping with the death of a loved one is painful and, for some people, it is also unexpectedly stressful as you deal with complex estate details. How do you start sorting through their belongings? Do you even have access to their car and house keys in order to begin? While it’s hard to think of anything that would make this time any easier, the guide below offers some advice for prioritizing what happens next.

How to Approach Dealing With Your Relative’s Estate

1. Gain Access

If you don’t have access to your loved one’s home, car, or safe, contact a locksmith to help you enter. They can also replace the locks to help secure the property. After all, you don’t know how many copies of the original house key are out there—and a property that is not occupied can be vulnerable to vandals.

2. Search Out Important Documentation

The thought of planning a funeral can be overwhelming, as you balance the wishes of various family members. But if you can find the deceased’s will, you will not only know what they wanted for their burial but other details pertaining to how their estate should be distributed. Other documents that you’ll likely need later include their property deed, insurance policies, and any unpaid bills. Calls will then need to be made to the respective parties to claim death benefits or to make payments.

3. Seek Out Help

Contact a lawyer to help you legally distribute the estate according to the will. If there was no will, the matter will likely have to go through court regardless. Additionally, lean on the people closest to you and closest to the deceased. They can help you sort through your relative’s belongings—and, if a decision comes to sell the property, help prepare it for potential buyers. Working together, you can support each other in your grief and make the process go more quickly.

If you’re locked out of a property and need assistance, turn to the always-responsible experts at Lincoln Lock & Safe. Based in Lincoln, NE, our qualified locksmiths have been helping commercial and residential clients for over 50 years. Besides house keys, we also replace locks for a little added peace of mind. Visit us online to learn more about our services, or call us at (402) 475-0002 to arrange a meet-up.