To prevent unwanted bills, cancel utilities no longer needed at the deceased's property.

Typical utilities include, but are not limited to:

• Electricity


• Gas


• Heat


• Water


• Trash


• Sewage

If the property will be sold, or inherited by a surviving family member or Beneficiary named in a Last Will & Testament, transfer ownership of the utility accounts to the new owner.

To cancel or transfer an account, the utility company will most likely require the following:

• Name


• Phone number


• Date of death


• Deceased's social security number


• Death Certificate

See the below links for contact information for utility companies around the United States.

Finally, check to ensure that all final payments have been made so as to not pay interest on overdue charges.

Note: the surviving family, Beneficiary or Executor of the Estate, should not pay any overdue bills or debt incurred by the deceased.

These final bills should only be paid for by using money from the Estate during Probate.

For more information about debt payments during Estate Settlement, review items within the Estate checklist.