What to Do When Someone Needs Your Help

These guides are written for continuity contacts, executors, and family members who need to manage someone's digital and financial life when they are unable to do it themselves — whether due to incapacitation, extended absence, or death. Each guide covers practical steps, what you'll need, and when to seek professional help. You don't need a Fern & Echo account to use these resources.
First steps
Locate Important Documents ⏱ 1–3 days
Notify the Social Security Administration ⏱ 1–2 hours
Notify Government Agencies ⏱ 1–2 weeks
Financial & insurance
Notify Banks and Financial Institutions ⏱ 1–2 weeks
File Insurance Claims ⏱ 2–8 weeks per claim
Transfer or Close Investment Accounts ⏱ 2–6 weeks
Contact an Employer or Pension Provider ⏱ 1–3 days
File a Final Tax Return ⏱ 2–4 hours
Accounts & services
Cancel Utilities and Services ⏱ 1–3 days
Cancel or Transfer Subscriptions ⏱ 2–4 hours
Close or Memorialize Social Media Accounts ⏱ 1–3 hours
Legal
Understanding Probate and When You Need an Attorney ⏱ 6 months to 2+ years

Make sure your contacts have what they need.

These guides help people act. Fern & Echo makes sure they have the account details, 2FA methods, and recovery paths to actually get in.