First-Week Executor Checklist: 7 Days With Sunset (2026)

In the first week after someone dies, the executor, administrator, or trustee should focus on proof, authority, discovery, and control. With Sunset, that means verifying your identity, uploading the death certificate and will or trust, starting asset and debt searches, preparing probate documents, getting an estate EIN, and setting clear approvals before anything moves.

This guide rewrites Sunset's first-week checklist in plain English for families who are just starting the estate settlement. It is informational, not legal advice, and it reflects how Sunset works across all 50 states and 3,000+ counties.

If you want a broader month-long view, start with Sunset's executor checklist for the first 30 days. If you are still deciding whether court is required, read when probate is required.

What to gather before you log in

The first week goes faster if you collect the main documents and clues before you begin. You do not need every record on day one, but these items help Sunset prepare paperwork and start targeted searches.

Bring:

• Government ID for the executor, administrator, or trustee
• A mobile device and email address for verification
• A certified death certificate, as a PDF or image if available
• The will or trust, if there is one
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration, if the court has issued them
• Contact details for known beneficiaries
• Known account clues, such as banks, brokerages, employers, insurers, old addresses, property details, vehicle titles or VINs, and business ties

Sunset uses electronic communications and signatures in its workflow. Electronic signatures carry the same legal effect as paper signatures. Withdrawing e-consent can limit or prevent service delivery, and it may add fees for paper copies. You can read Sunset's Electronic Communications Policy, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Use for the details.

The first-week executor checklist

1. Verify your identity and consent to electronic communications, Day 0

Create your Sunset account, complete multi-factor verification, and consent to electronic communications. This step protects the estate and gives Sunset a secure way to send documents, notices, and signature requests.

Sunset is SOC 2 Type II certified and uses industry-standard controls, strong authentication, and fraud prevention. Privacy matters during an estate administration because you may be handling a death certificate, account details, beneficiary names, property records, and government ID.

You can review the security and privacy basics on How Sunset Works and in the Privacy Policy.

2. Upload the death certificate and will or trust, Day 0 to Day 1

Upload the certified death certificate first. If there is a will or trust, add that too. These documents help Sunset generate the right probate paperwork and run more accurate searches.

If the court has not issued letters testamentary or letters of administration yet, you can still begin discovery and prep work. Upload the court documents once they become available.

This is also a good time to start a simple record of what you have uploaded, what is missing, and who has the original documents. Executors often need the same records again and again for banks, brokerages, insurers, courts, and tax filings.

3. Enter what you already know so discovery can begin, Day 0 to Day 1

Add the decedent's known banks, past addresses, employers, insurers, property details, vehicle information, and business ties. Sunset uses those clues and nationwide data sources to surface unknown assets and debts.

Most users locate most assets and liabilities within 1 business day. Some bank confirmations take up to two weeks.

Sunset searches 2,300+ financial institutions to help families find accounts and assets. Category searches include:

• Bank account search
• Investment account search
• Retirement account search
• Life insurance search
• Property and real estate search
• Vehicle search
• Business search
• Credit cards and debt search

During discovery, Sunset typically does not notify financial institutions of the death. Life insurance is the exception for claims workflows.

For life insurance, many families also hear about the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator. It works in a narrow way. You submit a request with the decedent's information, and NAIC forwards that death information to participating insurance carriers. It is a notification to carriers, not a database you can search. Each carrier checks its own records. If a carrier finds a matching policy, the carrier contacts the listed beneficiary directly at the address that carrier has on file for that beneficiary.

NAIC never tells the person who submitted the request whether a match was found. There is no match or no-match answer, no results page, and no confirmation either way. Hearing nothing does not mean there was no policy. If the requester is not the listed beneficiary, if the beneficiary address on file is out of date, or if the beneficiary has moved or died, the notice can go nowhere and the requester may never learn a policy existed.

That is different from Sunset. Sunset tells the family where a policy was found and helps them claim it, instead of leaving them waiting on a notice that may never arrive. For the claims process itself, see Sunset's guide to how to claim life insurance after a death.

4. Generate probate documents and get an EIN, Day 1 to Day 3

Sunset generates filings tailored to your state and county. The platform covers all 50 states and 3,000+ counties, including notices, inventories, and other initial filings where applicable.

You can also obtain a federal EIN for the estate inside the workflow. An estate EIN is often needed to open an estate bank account, receive estate income, file estate tax documents, and keep estate finances separate from personal funds.

Most estates, 98%, do not require a probate lawyer when using Sunset's tooling. Still, some estates do need counsel, especially if there are disputes, multi-state real estate issues, closely held businesses, mineral rights, or litigation. When counsel is needed, Sunset refers families to a local probate attorney.

If you are not sure what to prepare before speaking with a lawyer, Sunset's guide on what to do before you locate a probate attorney can help you get organized.

5. Open the FDIC-insured estate account, Day 2 to Day 4

An estate bank account helps keep the decedent's money separate from your own. It can be used to collect estate funds, pay approved estate expenses, and track transactions.

With Sunset, the estate account is FDIC insured up to $3 million via program coverage. Physical and virtual debit cards are available for estate expenses, such as funeral costs, taxes, and property maintenance. You remain in control. Sunset does not move money without your approval.

Sunset's family product is funded through our bank partnership. The estate does not pay Sunset, and all assets go to the beneficiaries and heirs.

6. Use e-notarization where allowed, Day 3 to Day 5

Some estate documents need notarization. Sunset supports online notarization where your county permits it. If online notarization is not allowed, Sunset gives in-person instructions.

After notarization, keep the stamped document and audit trail with the estate records. Courts, banks, brokerages, and title offices may ask for proof later.

7. Set approval preferences, Day 3 to Day 5

Set explicit approvals for closures, transfers, distributions, and communications. This is the control step. Sunset acts only after you approve.

Under Sunset's Terms of Use, you grant limited power of attorney for the stated estate to allow discovery and, after explicit permission, account closure. That authority is tied to the estate workflow. Nothing proceeds without your approval.

8. Run targeted searches, Day 1 to Day 7

Use the first week to look across categories, not just at the obvious checking account. Families often find that the estate includes old retirement accounts, business interests, vehicle liens, or debts that no one knew about.

Run any searches that fit the decedent's life:

• Bank and credit union accounts
• Brokerage, mutual funds, ETFs, HSAs, 529s, and crypto
• 401(k), IRA, pensions, and TSP
• Life insurance and annuities
• Real estate and liens
• Vehicles, including autos, RVs, boats, equipment, trailers, and titled assets
• Business interests, including LLC, Corp, partnerships, and licenses
• Debts, including cards, loans, and mortgages

This assets-and-liabilities-first approach helps you avoid distributing money before you understand what the estate owns and owes.

Week 1 timeline

Step	What you will do	Evidence of completion	Typical timing
Identity and e-consent	Verify ID and accept electronic communications	Login secured and consent recorded	Day 0
Upload core documents	Add death certificate and will or trust	Files validated	Day 0 to Day 1
Seed discovery	Add known accounts and addresses	Discovery queue runs and matches appear	Day 0 to Day 1
Probate documents and EIN	Generate county forms and get EIN	Drafts ready and EIN assigned	Day 1 to Day 3
Estate account	Open FDIC-insured account	Account active and cards available	Day 2 to Day 4
E-notarization	Notarize electronically where allowed	Notary stamp and audit trail	Day 3 to Day 5
Approval settings	Require explicit approvals	Pending your approval status visible	Day 3 to Day 5
Category searches	Run targeted searches	Asset and debt reports populated	Day 1 to Day 7

If assets are in more than one state

A multi-state estate can involve extra filings, title rules, and tax issues. Use a per-state log in Sunset to track assets found, probate status, filings completed, notices sent, and pending actions.

For real estate and addresses:

• Run a property and real estate search for each known prior address to surface out-of-state properties, liens, and tax records.
• Determine if ancillary probate is required in each property state.
• Generate county-specific documents in Sunset.

For vehicles and titled assets:

• Run a vehicle search to confirm title status, liens, and TOD designations for vehicles, boats, trailers, or equipment in each state.
• Follow state-specific title transfer guidance.
• Many states permit e-notarization through Sunset.

For bank, retirement, and brokerage accounts:

• Run category searches for bank, investment, and retirement accounts.
• Verify beneficiary designations, including POD and TOD designations that may bypass probate.
• For accounts opened in different states, confirm the most recent custodian and applicable state escheat timelines.

For business interests and licenses:

• Search business registries in all 50 states to identify active and historic roles, such as owner, officer, partner, or license holder.
• Collect governing documents, including operating agreement or bylaws.
• Follow Sunset's step-by-step transfer or dissolution workflow.

For debts and liabilities:

• Retrieve a nationwide liability report.
• Note any joint or co-signed debt that may affect survivors.
• Track per-state creditor notice and claim windows.

For taxes and EIN:

• Obtain an estate EIN in Sunset.
• Track state income and property tax filings tied to out-of-state assets.

For unclaimed property:

• Where records suggest closed or forgotten accounts, initiate unclaimed property checks in the relevant states.
• Save the results in your Sunset workspace.

If the estate owns real property in more than one state, Sunset's guide to ancillary probate explains why a second court process may be needed.

Copy-and-save templates for Week 1

These templates are meant to help you ask for information while making clear that no account should be closed, liquidated, or transferred without written approval. Replace the bracketed fields before sending.

Bank notification of death and request for information

Subject: Estate of [Deceased Full Name], DOB [MM/DD/YYYY], DOD [MM/DD/YYYY]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am the [Executor/Administrator/Trustee] for the Estate of [Deceased Full Name]. I am providing notice of death and requesting information regarding any accounts held by [Deceased Last Name] at your institution.

Please provide for each located account: account type, account number (masked is acceptable), current balance as of [Date], and any beneficiary (POD/TOD) designations on file. Do not take action to close or transfer without my written approval.

Attached: certified death certificate; Letters [Testamentary/Administration] (if issued); my government ID. You may also contact me to coordinate secure document exchange via Sunset.

Executor/Administrator: [Your Full Name]

Mailing Address: [Street, City, State ZIP]

Phone: [Number] | Email: [Email]

Estate EIN (if available): [XX-XXXXXXX]

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Brokerage or transfer agent request for holdings and beneficiary designations

Subject: Estate of [Deceased Full Name], Holdings and Transfer Instructions

Dear [Brokerage/Transfer Agent Name],

I serve as [Executor/Administrator/Trustee] for the Estate of [Deceased Full Name]. Please confirm all accounts and securities registered to the decedent, including:

• Account numbers, masked acceptable, and registration type
• Current positions and cost basis, if available
• Beneficiary designations, including TOD, transfer restrictions, or medallion requirements

No liquidation or transfer is authorized at this time. I will submit signed instructions after verification.

Included: certified death certificate; Letters [Testamentary/Administration] (if issued); my ID. Secure exchange via Sunset is available upon request.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Contact: [Phone] | [Email]

Employer, HR, and benefits administrator notice

Subject: Notice of Death, [Deceased Full Name], Employee/Retiree ID [ID if known]

Dear [HR/Benefits Department],

I am notifying you of the death of [Deceased Full Name] on [Date]. Please advise next steps regarding:

• Final wages and paid time off
• Group life insurance and beneficiary claims
• 401(k), pension, or ESOP benefits and rollover options
• COBRA, health plan termination, and any refunds due

Please send required forms and a list of documentation needed. I will provide certified death certificate and Letters [Testamentary/Administration] as applicable.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Role: Executor/Administrator/Trustee]

Contact: [Phone] | [Email]

Privacy, security, and control

Sunset has helped 15,000+ families settle estates. The platform is built around the idea that the family stays in control while Sunset helps with discovery, paperwork, estate account setup, and transfers.

A few points to know in the first week:

• Security: Sunset is SOC 2 Type II certified and uses strong authentication and fraud prevention.
• Privacy: Sunset's Privacy Policy explains what data Sunset collects, how it uses and shares data, integrations with data partners, marketing opt-outs, and CCPA rights, including opt-out of sale as defined by California law.
• Electronic delivery: Electronic consent covers communications and signatures. Withdrawing consent can limit service options or add fees for paper copies.
• Authority and control: The Terms of Use grant limited power of attorney for the stated estate to enable discovery and, after explicit permission, account closure. Sunset does not proceed without your approval.
• Cost to families: Sunset's family product is funded through our bank partnership. The estate does not pay Sunset, and all assets go to the beneficiaries and heirs.

When to ask for extra help

Some estates are simple. Others need more support because of disputes, unclear beneficiary designations, property in more than one state, business ownership, mineral rights, or unpaid debts.

POD and TOD accounts can bypass probate and override will terms. Unequal beneficiary designations and unpaid final expenses can create complications, so review beneficiary designations early. ACTEC has an explainer on pitfalls of POD and TOD accounts.

Multi-state real estate, closely held businesses, mineral rights, and litigated disputes may require local counsel. You can still use Sunset for asset discovery, documentation, estate account setup, and consolidation while working with an attorney on contested issues.

FAQ

Is Sunset really free for families?

Yes. Sunset's family product is funded through our bank partnership. The estate does not pay Sunset, and all assets go to the beneficiaries and heirs.

Do I need a lawyer in the first week as executor?

Not always. Most estates, 98%, do not require a probate lawyer when using Sunset's tooling. Complex disputes may still require counsel, and Sunset refers families to a local probate attorney when counsel is needed.

How fast does Sunset find assets and liabilities?

Most users locate most assets and liabilities within 1 business day. Some bank confirmations take up to two weeks. Starting with known banks, employers, addresses, and insurers can help discovery run more accurately.

Does Sunset notify banks during the search?

During discovery, Sunset typically does not notify financial institutions of the death. Life insurance is the exception for claims workflows. Sunset does not close accounts, transfer funds, make distributions, or send communications without your approval.

How safe is the estate account?

The Sunset estate account is FDIC insured up to $3 million via program coverage. It can be used to collect funds, pay estate expenses, and keep estate money separate from personal money.

Sunset can help you start the first week with a clear plan: find assets and debts, generate probate paperwork, open an FDIC-insured estate account, and keep control over every transfer. Start at How Sunset Works.