Money and accounts
What happens to their 401k or retirement account?
Short answer
Named beneficiaries receive the account outside of probate. Contact the plan administrator with a death certificate. Be aware of required minimum distributions and tax rules — a financial advisor can help with timing.
What this usually means
Named beneficiaries receive the account outside of probate. Contact the plan administrator with a death certificate. Be aware of required minimum distributions and tax rules — a financial advisor can help with timing.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.