Your Essential Action Guide: The Critical First Week After Death

If you've been named Personal Representative of an estate in Missouri, you're probably feeling overwhelmed right now. I get it, I'm Terry Peterson, Realtor/Investor and founder of St Louis Family Resources. I've helped hundreds of St. Louis families navigate estate administration and probate successfully. Becoming a Personal Representative in Missouri isn't just about handling paperwork—it's about protecting your family's legacy while navigating complex legal requirements.
The first week after losing a loved one feels like a blur of decisions and obligations. While grief is overwhelming, certain actions during these initial seven days are crucial for protecting your family's interests and ensuring the probate process proceeds smoothly.
The biggest mistake I see families make? Letting relatives take items "for safekeeping." This simple act can complicate probate proceedings for months.
As a Certified Probate Expert working with St. Louis families, I've seen how addressing these tasks promptly protects your interests and prevents family conflicts down the road.

LINKS:
StLouisFamilyResources.com === https://stlouisfamilyresources.com/
eBook – The Essential Guide To Navigating The Estate Administration And Probate Process and Settling An Estate === https://sqr.co/api/b92r
Missouri Probate & Estate Checklist === https://sqr.co/api/ldme
Probate Law Resources Guide === https://sqr.co/api/kyup
Probate Glossary of Terms === https://sqr.co/api/mxiw
St Louis Real Estate Search - MLS === https://sqr.co/api/e1fs
Your Home Value === https://sqr.co/api/2n67
St Louis Real Estate News === https://sqr.co/api/pljz

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook ===   / tlpeters8591  
Instagram ===   / terrypetersonrealtor  
LinkedIn ===   / terrypeterson  

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
✅ Secure the estate immediately – Prevent well-meaning friends from creating probate complications
✅ Handle employment notifications – Simple steps that prevent unnecessary confusion
✅ Find the will – Your most critical document (plus where to look if it's missing)
✅ Get enough death certificates – Order 10 copies now to avoid headaches later
✅ Protect property value – Mail forwarding, security steps, and appearance maintenance
✅ Veterans benefits – Time-sensitive assistance that many families miss

📞 NEED HELP WITH PROBATE REAL ESTATE? I specialize in helping St. Louis families navigate complex estate sales with confidence. Visit StLFamilyResources.com, link above, for expert guidance or call me at 314.918.5151.