What Advisors Does a New Widow Need?

Losing your spouse represents a critical life transition requiring support from loved ones and healing time. Beyond personal relationships, assembling a trusted team of professional advisors can help navigate unfamiliar financial and legal territory.

A newly widowed person may already have professional advisors, yet identifying gaps in your support network remains essential. Seek professionals you trust to educate and empower you during this challenging period.

Financial Adviser

Select a fiduciary, fee-only adviser to manage your financial matters. Research indicates approximately eight in ten widows change financial advisors after their spouse’s death. Often, the original adviser maintained a closer relationship with the deceased spouse and failed to fully include the surviving partner in financial planning and investment decisions. A financial adviser helps organize immediate financial issues, such as reallocating investments appropriately.

Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney

Hire an experienced estate planning or elder law attorney specializing in estate and trust law. Locate your spouse’s original will and schedule a review with your attorney. If the original document cannot be found, the attorney who drafted your documents may assist in locating it. Your attorney will clarify whether state and federal estate taxes apply, discuss one-time death-related expenses, assist with estate court filings, notify creditors, and facilitate asset distributions.

Therapist, Grief Counselor or Mental Health Professional

Losing a spouse ranks among life’s most emotionally challenging experiences. Beyond losing your life partner, you have lost the future you planned together. Bereavement counseling provides valuable support during grief, offering a safe space to process feelings while developing coping strategies and healing tools.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with elder law, probate or estate planning issues, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.