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Basic Checklist of Responsibilities After Death

Although coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult from an emotional standpoint, the challenges do not end there. Surviving family members are faced with the task of settling all after-death affairs as well as overcoming grief. Referring to a basic checklist may ease the burden of organizing a burial and addressing a sometimes overwhelming variety of legal matters.

  1. Notify Others

    • Upon hearing of a loved one's death, get in contact with those who knew the deceased. Notify all friends and family members who come to mind, utilizing items like address books and consulting with those closest to the departed to determine who to contact. Check to see if the deceased left a list of names and numbers to notify; this simplifies your job considerably.

    Plan the Funeral

    • In the immediate aftermath of losing a loved one, the first thing that needs arranging is a funeral to celebrate the life of the departed. If you have not already decided on one in advance, get suggestions from friends, relatives or clergy on quality funeral homes in the area. Refer to any written documents the deceased left regarding preferences for the funeral. In the event cremation was desired, the services of a funeral home are optional.

    Put Together an Obituary

    • Working with all those who knew the deceased best, create a loving memorial and summary of the life left behind. Use any key points left behind by the deceased if the death was expected, but in the event there are no notes to work with, discuss the obituary with friends and relatives of the departed one. The obituary is traditionally submitted for the local paper to run.

    Order Death Certificates

    • Once you wade into the legal areas of the after-death checklist, you will discover that death certificates are frequently required. To properly prepare for this, order multiple copies of the death certificate, at least 10-15 as a low estimate. If you need more copies later, you can obtain them online or at your city hall.

    Contact Any Organizations or Employers

    • If the deceased was receiving income from an employer or through Social Security benefits, laws require these parties be contacted at the time of death. You must also contact insurance companies regarding all policies including life and health among others. Return any credit cards with a copy of the death certificate or notify the credit card company you wish to take over the card. Likewise, contact other financial institutions like banks or brokerages and either close out the accounts or change the account holder.

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