When a loved one passes, canceling their streaming services and other subscriptions will surely be the last thing on your mind. However, managing these accounts is often part of the estate settlement process. Addressing these ongoing commitments helps prevent unnecessary charges and ensures a thorough closure of your loved one’s financial affairs.

Gather essential documents like the death certificate and account information, and create a dedicated folder for organization. Cancel the deceased’s credit card through the issuer’s services department. If needed, contact service providers directly to cancel subscriptions, providing necessary details and maintaining clear records throughout the process.

Why You Should Cancel Your Loved One’s Subscriptions

After a loved one passes away, their subscriptions don’t automatically stop. As long as the credit card remains active, companies will continue to bill for their services. This can lead to unnecessary charges and potential financial complications for the estate. 

Often, the simplest solution is to cancel the deceased’s credit card, which effectively stops all recurring payments. However, there may be situations where this isn’t possible or advisable, such as when the card is shared with a surviving spouse or when certain subscriptions need to be maintained. 

In these cases, you’ll need to contact individual service providers to cancel specific subscriptions. Taking action promptly helps prevent financial drain and simplifies the process of managing your loved one’s affairs.

Common subscriptions to cancel

When managing a deceased loved one’s affairs, it’s easy to overlook certain subscriptions. Be sure to check for and cancel:

• Streaming services (e.g. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+)
• Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
• Gym or fitness club memberships
• Utility services, especially if you’re selling the inherited house
• Recurring donations or charitable memberships
• Online shopping subscriptions (e.g. Amazon Prime, meal kits)
• Digital storage or cloud services
• Professional association memberships
• Subscription boxes (e.g. beauty products, snacks)
• Software or app subscriptions

Carefully review bank and credit card statements to identify these often-forgotten recurring charges.

How To Cancel Subscriptions After Someone Dies

1. Gathering the required information

Before canceling subscriptions, it’s helpful to collect and organize all necessary documents. This preparation will streamline the process and reduce potential frustrations when dealing with service providers.

Essential items to gather include:

• Death certificate
• Proof of executorship or power of attorney
• Account information (usernames and passwords, if available)
• Recent statements or bills for each subscription

To organize this information effectively, create a dedicated folder or digital file for all subscription-related documents. Make a comprehensive list of all subscriptions, noting usernames or account numbers, contact information for each provider, and any specific cancellation instructions.

You should also consider using a spreadsheet to track your progress, including dates of contact, representative names, and outcomes of each interaction. This organized approach will help you manage the process more efficiently and ensure no subscriptions are overlooked during this challenging time.

2. Canceling the credit card

Canceling the credit card of a deceased loved one is typically handled by the spouse or executor of the estate. To begin, contact the credit card issuer’s dedicated deceased account services department. You’ll need to provide the information listed above to act on behalf of the deceased.

Expect the issuer to verify the death independently and request documentation. They may ask about outstanding balances and recurring charges. Be prepared to discuss settling any remaining debt through the estate.

Potential challenges include dealing with joint accounts or authorized users. For joint accounts, the surviving owner becomes solely responsible. Authorized users should be notified to stop using the card immediately.

If you encounter difficulties, keep detailed records of all communications and consider seeking legal advice if necessary.

3. Contacting individual service providers

Canceling the deceased’s credit card often stops most subscriptions, but there are times when you’ll need to contact service providers directly. This is necessary when the credit card can’t be canceled immediately or if certain subscriptions need to be maintained or transferred. It may also be necessary if you need to request refunds or settle outstanding balances.

To cancel subscriptions individually, follow these general steps:

1. Locate contact information: Find the customer service number or email for each provider, preferably their department for deceased account holders.

2. Prepare the necessary documentation mentioned above.

3. Contact customer service: Call or email the provider, explaining that you need to cancel a subscription for a deceased person.

4. Explain the situation clearly: Provide the account holder’s name, account number, and your relationship to the deceased. State that you’re requesting cancellation due to death.

5. Follow up as needed: If the provider requires additional information or documentation, respond promptly.

When dealing with difficult providers, remain calm and persistent. Ask to speak with a supervisor if necessary. Keep detailed records of all communications, including dates, times, representative names, and conversation summaries. This documentation can be crucial if disputes arise later or if you need to prove that you’ve taken appropriate steps to cancel subscriptions.

Partner with Johnson, Murrell & Associates

At Johnson, Murrell & Associates, we’ve been assisting clients with probate matters in Tennessee for over four decades. Our experience in probate law equips us with an in-depth understanding of our state’s procedures. This expertise enables us to efficiently manage the probate process, allowing you to attend to other important matters during a challenging time. 

Our attorneys bring a wealth of legal knowledge to East Tennessee. With our comprehensive probate services, we guide you through every stage of estate administration while protecting your interests. By partnering with Johnson, Murrell & Associates, you secure a knowledgeable, empathetic ally to navigate the complexities of probate law.

Canceling a deceased loved one’s subscriptions is essential to avoid financial complications for the estate. While subscriptions don’t stop automatically, prompt action can prevent ongoing charges. If you can’t cancel a credit card, contacting individual service providers is necessary. Johnson, Murrell & Associates in Tennessee offers expert assistance with probate matters.

At Johnson, Murrell, & Associates, we understand that handling a loved one’s estate and bills after their passing is an emotional, stressful experience. Our job is to make your life easier, which means guiding you through the process so you understand what’s to come. To schedule a consultation, call us at 865-453-1091 or schedule an appointment.