Handling a loved one's affairs after their passing can be overwhelming. One early step is to manage their mail. As an executor, personal representative, or successor trustee, you must ensure that important correspondence reaches you and stop unnecessary mail. Follow these four steps to handle the mail of a deceased person effectively.

Step 1: Notify the Post Office

Begin by informing the post office about your loved one's passing. Request mail forwarding to your address. You'll need proof of your authority, like a probate court order or trust documentation. A death certificate alone isn't sufficient.

Complete a change-of-address request in person at the post office or through their USPS online service. Forwarding mail temporarily helps you manage bills, statements, and other important documents.

Step 2: Stop Junk Mail with the DMAchoice Registry

Reduce junk mail by registering the deceased person on the Deceased Do Not Contact (DDNC) List at DMAchoice.org. You'll pay a $1 authentication fee to complete the process. Registration can be done by a friend, relative, or caregiver.

The DMAchoice website claims the volume of junk mail will drop within three months.

Step 3: Cancel Subscriptions and Contact Organizations

For magazines, subscriptions, or solicitations, notify the sending organizations directly. Let them know about your loved one's death. Some publishers might even refund unused subscription balances. This step helps eliminate non-junk mail not covered by the DMAchoice registry.

Step 4: Return Mail Addressed to the Deceased

If you share an address with the deceased or now live in their home, mark incoming mail as “Deceased, Return to Sender.” Place it in your outgoing mailbox for the post office to pick up. This alerts senders to update their records and stop future mail.

A Word of Caution: Handling Mail Legally

Opening someone else's mail is a federal offense unless you are their legal representative. If unsure, visit your local post office for guidance.

Managing a Loved One's Affairs

Stopping unnecessary mail is just one task in settling a loved one's estate. As an executor, you must also ensure bills are paid, assets are distributed, and other responsibilities are handled. If you need help from an experienced Texas probate lawyer, we're here to assist.

Losing someone you love is hard. Let us make the process a little easier. Contact us today at 979-703-7014 for professional guidance.