Cable, phone and/or internet plans
If the deceased had a cable, streaming television, phone, or internet plans, those should be canceled as soon as possible.
For a cellular phone plan, however, hold on to the phone if it provides important access such as connection to social media or email accounts.
Photos on the phone can be backed up somewhere if the surviving family members wish to save them.
If a home security system is tied to the phone or internet service on the property, consider maintaining the phone or internet until the property’s future is decided.
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Canceling phone plans
Cancel landline service to an owned home if no one will be living there anymore, or the property will be occupied by someone else.
For cell phones, you may want to maintain their service plan in the short term if the phone was owned in full by the deceased at the time of their death. Even on WiFi, the phone can be used to download or share important information.
If the phone was not fully owned by the deceased at the time of death, back up important details from the phone before returning the device to the mobile carrier.
A court order might be required to close a cellular phone account.
If the cell phone line was part of a family plan, contact a customer service representative to cancel only that line.
Regardless if the deceased's cell phone will be inherited by surviving family, given away, or sold, delete its associated Apple or Google account so as to prevent unwanted bills or fraud.
Review the instructions below to learn more about accessing final bills and closing these accounts.
Canceling Internet plans
To cancel any internet plans, contact the service provider directly.
Explain that the account owner is now deceased and request confirmation of canceled services.
The executor should receive information about any pending or current bills due at the time of passing. Use the links below to contact internet service providers.
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