How to forward mail for deceased person

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of a loved one. Forwarding mail for a deceased person can be a challenging task, but it's an important step in ensuring that their affairs are taken care of. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you forward mail for a deceased person:

Gather necessary documents

  1. Death certificate: You'll need a certified copy of the death certificate to prove the person's passing.
  2. Last will and testament: If the deceased person had a will, you may need to provide a copy to the post office or the relevant authorities.
  3. Identification: You may need to provide identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove your relationship to the deceased person.

Notify the post office

  1. Contact the post office: Reach out to the post office where the deceased person received their mail. You can do this online or by visiting the post office in person.
  2. Provide necessary documents: Bring the death certificate, last will and testament (if applicable), and identification to the post office.
  3. Request mail forwarding: Inform the post office that you'd like to forward the deceased person's mail to yourself or another designated person.

Forwarding options

  1. Temporary forwarding: The post office can forward mail to you for a limited time (usually 6-12 months). This is a good option if you need to access the deceased person's mail for a specific purpose, such as settling their estate.
  2. Permanent forwarding: If you're the executor of the estate or the beneficiary of the deceased person's assets, you can request permanent forwarding of their mail. This will ensure that all future mail is forwarded to you.

Additional tips

  1. Notify relevant parties: Inform banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of the deceased person's passing to prevent identity theft and ensure that their accounts are properly closed.
  2. Check for outstanding bills: Review the deceased person's mail for any outstanding bills or debts that need to be paid.
  3. Dispose of sensitive documents: Be sure to securely dispose of any sensitive documents, such as credit card statements or medical records, to protect the deceased person's privacy.

Remember to also notify the deceased person's employer, insurance companies, and any other relevant parties of their passing. This will help ensure that their affairs are properly settled and that their loved ones are not burdened with unnecessary tasks.