How to Forward or Hold Mail

If the deceased lived alone or if you will not be checking their mailbox regularly, set up mail forwarding with the US Postal Service to redirect their mail to the executor's address. You can do this online at USPS.com (there is a $1.10 identity verification fee for online requests) or by visiting your local post office with a certified death certificate and your ID. Mail forwarding lasts for 12 months and can be extended.

Forwarding the mail serves two important purposes. First, it ensures you receive critical estate correspondence — bills, financial statements, insurance notices, tax documents, legal notices, and creditor communications that you need to settle the estate. Second, it helps you discover accounts and obligations you may not have known about. When mail arrives from a bank, insurance company, or creditor you were not aware of, add it to your list of entities to contact.

If a surviving spouse or family member still lives at the address, you do not need to forward mail, but you should be vigilant about opening and reviewing all mail addressed to the deceased. Watch particularly for time-sensitive items: tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, property tax bills), insurance premium notices, subscription renewals, credit card statements, and any correspondence from government agencies. Keep all financial mail for at least 3 years after the estate is settled for tax purposes.