Death

Emory understands that this is a difficult time, but we are here to help and make the next steps as easy as possible for you.

Benefits Actions

Notifications

In the event of a death, whether it's your own or the death of a family member, it’s important that someone contact the Benefits and Work Life Department as soon as possible: 404-727-7613. Benefits staff are trained to take care of all benefits-related actions in a professional and caring manner.

If the deceased is a current faculty or staff member, the department/school where the employee worked will also need to be contacted. A family member or friend should contact the employee's manager to report the death.

Beneficiaries

You should always review your beneficiary information for your life insurance policies and retirement accounts at least annually to assure the person(s) you wish to receive benefits in the event of your death are designated. Remember, a will does not override a named beneficiary. Make sure that benefits will be paid to the person(s) you desire.

Forms

The following is a list of documents that you may need:

  1. Certified Death Certificate
  2. Probate Court Documents
  3. Letters of Testamentary (given when deceased provided for Executor(s) in a will)
  4. Letters of Administration (given when deceased died with assets, but without a will order)
  5. Order Declaring No Administration Necessary (given when deceased had no assets, no secured debts, and no will)

NOTE: Special circumstances may require use of other forms and other insurance companies may have their own procedures.

Key Terms

Probate - If the deceased has a will, it is necessary to file a petition with a local probate court to admit the will to probate. Probate is the legal process of proving the validity of a will before an estate can be distributed to the rightful heirs. Once the will is admitted to probate, the court will appoint an executor or personal representative of the estate. Probate provides an orderly setting for resolving all competing interests for an estate, including creditors, heirs and those to whom property is given under the will.

Executor - The executor oversees the distribution of the deceased’s assets pays any debts or taxes, and complies with any legal and accounting requirements.

Intestate - Refers to when a person dies without leaving a will. The estate is distributed according to state law.

Other Resources

Emory offers bereavement leave following the death of an immediate family member. View bereavement leave policy.

The Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), is available to help you or your loved ones with emotional support and grief counseling after a death. FSAP can also come to worksites to provide onsite grief support following the death of a faculty or staff member.

Emory has resources for those who are caring for a sick or aging adult, or an adult with special needs. View resources.

Emory's retirement vendors:

Georgia Probate Court Standard Forms and General Instructions

Social Security Administration