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
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Notify the Social Security Administration ⏱ 1–2 hours
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Notify Government Agencies ⏱ 1–2 weeks
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Financial & insurance
Notify Banks and Financial Institutions ⏱ 1–2 weeks
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File Insurance Claims ⏱ 2–8 weeks per claim
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Transfer or Close Investment Accounts ⏱ 2–6 weeks
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Contact an Employer or Pension Provider ⏱ 1–3 days
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File a Final Tax Return ⏱ 2–4 hours
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Accounts & services
Cancel Utilities and Services ⏱ 1–3 days
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Cancel or Transfer Subscriptions ⏱ 2–4 hours
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Close or Memorialize Social Media Accounts ⏱ 1–3 hours
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Legal
Understanding Probate and When You Need an Attorney ⏱ 6 months to 2+ years
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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.