If you have been appointed as the executor or personal representative of a deceased loved one’s probate estate, or if you are stepping in as the successor trustee of their trust, one of your first responsibilities is to notify the post office of their passing. You should request that their mail be forwarded to your address. However, keep in mind that you must provide documented proof of your authority to manage their affairs—a death certificate alone is not sufficient. You will also need to complete a change-of-address request, which, according to the United States Postal Service (USPS), must be done in person.
Redirecting your loved one’s mail to your address is crucial because, as the executor, personal representative, or trustee, you are responsible for settling their affairs. This includes making sure necessary bills are paid and creating an inventory of their assets to ensure they are properly distributed. Unfortunately, along with important documents like statements, bills, and refunds, you may also receive unwanted mail, such as catalogs and solicitations.
If you have purchased a deceased person’s home and are now receiving their mail, it’s important to ensure that the correct recipients get any mail intended for them.
How can you stop the post office from delivering mail addressed to a deceased person? Follow these 4 steps:
Notify the Post Office After Probate Closure: If you are the executor or personal representative of an estate that has gone through probate and is officially closed, provide the deceased person’s local post office with a copy of the probate order closing the estate and dismissing you as the executor. Request that all mail service be stopped immediately. Without this step, mail may continue arriving for years, and USPS typically honors forwarding orders for only one year.
Remove the Deceased from Marketing Lists: To reduce junk mail, visit the Deceased Do Not Contact Registration page on DMAchoice.org. Registering the deceased’s information requires a $1 authentication fee. The organization claims that mail from commercial marketing lists should significantly decrease within three months. This step can be completed by a friend, relative, or caregiver.
Cancel Subscriptions and Notify Charities: For magazines, subscription services, and solicitations from charities to which the deceased donated, contact the organizations directly to inform them of the death. Some publishers may offer a refund for unused portions of a subscription.
Mark and Return Unwanted Mail: If you shared an address with the deceased or now own their home, write “Deceased, Return to Sender” on any mail addressed to them and place it in your mailbox for USPS pickup.
Important Reminder
It is a federal offense to open and read someone else’s mail unless you are their legal representative. If you are unsure of what to do, contact your local post office for guidance.
We are Here to Help
Losing a loved one is never easy. Along with grieving, you may also be managing their legal and financial affairs. If you need assistance handling your loved one’s estate or trust, MVP Law Group, APC is here to help. Call us at 818-788-7881 for support in navigating this difficult time.
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