Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, whether it was sudden or the result of a lengthy illness. Grief can paralyze us or render us incapable of thinking clearly. For many of us, it can be overwhelming to know what steps to take in the aftermath of a loved one’s death. What do I even do? What’s next? How do I go on? There are many things you need to do and can do in the moments, days, and years after the death of a loved one, but here are ten important things to do after a loved one dies.
1. Notify Close Family and Friends After a Loved One Dies
Inform close family members and friends of the death. This allows them to provide emotional support and assistance during this difficult time. When my dad died in 2006, having friends and family offer support was incredible and provided comfort during a difficult time.
2. Make Arrangements for the Body
Depending on where your loved one dies, and under what circumstances, determines who you call when your loved one dies. You may have to call the police or just call the funeral home. When you do reach out to a funeral home to make arrangements for the disposition of the body they can help with transportation, embalming (if desired), and planning the funeral or memorial service. A word of warning, this is an extremely difficult and emotional moment – to watch the body of your loved one removed from the home or to walk out of a hospital room leaving your loved one there. It’s just hard.
3. Obtain Death Certificates
Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate from the funeral home after a loved one dies. I generally recommend 12-15 copies. Some people only need a few, while others have needed 15 or more. You will need these certificates for various purposes, including closing accounts, accessing benefits, filing to open a probate estate, and transferring ownership of assets.
4. Notify Relevant Institutions and Agencies After a Loved One Dies
Contact relevant institutions and agencies to notify them of the death. This may include banks, insurance companies, social security administration, government agencies, employers, retirement plan administrators, and creditors. Cancel subscriptions, memberships, and services as necessary. Consult with your probate attorney before paying any debt of your loved one. Also note that if your loved one is receiving retirement or social security and a direct deposit is made after they pass away, that money will be removed from the bank account, so don’t spend it
5. Secure Property and Valuables
Ensure that the deceased person’s property and valuables are secure. This may involve locking doors and windows, collecting valuable items, and safeguarding important documents such as wills, deeds, and financial records. If your loved one had life insurance, burial policy, or other benefits that pay upon their death, gather those and keep them safe until you are able to contact those companies or agencies to process those benefits.
6. Review Legal Documents to Prepare for Probate
Review the deceased person’s legal documents, including their will and trust documents. These documents outline their wishes regarding the distribution of assets. The original of these documents are needed, so do not write on these documents. Contact a probate/estate administration lawyer for assistance with these documents. You can contact Tanya at Huntsville Estate Planning Lawyer, LLC to walk you through the process to determine if an estate must be opened, and if so, what steps to take. Though you don’t have to call an attorney immediately, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney within a week or two of
7. Arrange for Care of Dependents and Pets
If the deceased person had dependents or pets, make arrangements for their care and well-being. This may involve filing for guardianship or temporary custody of children or persons with a disability, or arranging for pet care services.For pets, if there is not a friend of family member immediately able to take in the pet, contact the pet’s veterinarian or a local pet rescue for suggestions on rehoming.
8. Notify Employers and Business Contacts
If your loved one was employed or involved in business activities, notify their employer or business contacts of their death. This allows for the transfer of responsibilities and benefits, such as life insurance or retirement accounts. You may have to get a final check or remove personal items from an office. If your loved one owned their own business, work with your probate attorney to find the professionals to help with that business, whether to sell it, transfer ownership or keep it operating.
9. Probate Huntsville
Depending on your loved one’s assets and how they’re titled, you may have to probate their estate. If the decedent had a last will and testament, the probate process should not be too terribly difficult. If the decedent did not have a last will and testament, the probate process can be lengthy, expensive, and time-consuming. Consult with a probate attorney – also called an estate administration attorney – to find out what you need to do about your loved one’s estate.
10. Seek Support and Counseling
Take care of your own emotional well-being by seeking support and counseling. Grieving is a natural process, and it’s important to express your feelings and lean on others for support during this time. Grief is sneaky – you may feel fine for a while, and then it hits you like a bus out of nowhere.
Probate Lawyer Huntsville
Remember that it’s okay to ask for help and take things one step at a time. Surround yourself with supportive loved ones and seek professional guidance when needed to navigate the practical and emotional challenges of dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s death. Contact Tanya at Huntsville Estate Planning Lawyer, LLC for help with probate and estate matters.