If you did not live with the decedent, you should have his or her mail forwarded to your address, so that you do not have to go to decedent’s home daily to pick up the mail. You will need a certified copy of the Certificate of Death in order to forward the mail.

Even if you lived with the decedent or decide that you will go pick up the mail daily, watch to see that the decedent is receiving mail regularly. If not, contact the post office immediately. There are dishonest individuals who read the obituaries and then immediately go to the post office and forge a decedent’s signature on a mail forwarding request. These individuals want the decedent’s mail because checks will be sent by mail as you settle the estate.