The House, Remarriage, and Long-Term Decisions
How do I find a financial advisor I can trust after my spouse dies?
Short answer
Look for a fee-only fiduciary — someone legally required to act in your best interest and who does not earn commissions. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) has a directory at napfa.org. Avoid anyone who approaches you unsolicited after a…
What this usually means
Look for a fee-only fiduciary — someone legally required to act in your best interest and who does not earn commissions. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) has a directory at napfa.org. Avoid anyone who approaches you unsolicited after a death — that is a red flag.
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.