First Week As A Surviving Spouse
Should I change my beneficiary designations right away?
Short answer
Yes — but thoughtfully, not in a panic. Your spouse was likely named as beneficiary on your life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. Update these when you have had time to think clearly about who you want to name. Do not…
What this usually means
Yes — but thoughtfully, not in a panic. Your spouse was likely named as beneficiary on your life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. Update these when you have had time to think clearly about who you want to name. Do not leave them blank — an account with no beneficiary may go through probate at your death.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.