Title, ownership and beneficiary changes

You will need to transfer titles and ownership for your loves one's automobile, personal property, real estate, and financial accounts. You may also need to adjust your insurance policies and your will to change beneficiaries. The following documents should be reviewed:

• Insurance policies: You may wish to change beneficiaries or make other changes in these policies
• Automobile: For questions related to car titles, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-296-6911.
• Will: If you named your loved one in your will, it should be updated. Contact your attorney for assistance.
• Investments: Check with your banker or financial advisor regarding changes to checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks and bonds.
• Credit cards: Credit cards in your loved one's name only should be canceled. Payments due on those accounts should be paid by the estate.
• Safe deposit box: Talk to your banker or attorney with questions about the safe deposit box.
• Real estate: Check with your lawyer regarding the sale or title transfer of any property such as land, lake cabin, or homes.

Allina Grief Resources
651-628-1752

First published: 05/28/2000
Last updated: 09/15/2004

Reviewed by: Russell N. Myers, M.Div, BCC, Chaplain, Allina Hospitals & Clinics; Linda Norlander, RN, MS, project manager, Allina End of Life Project; Judy Young, M.Ed, Bereavement Services, Allina Hospice and Palliative Care