What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away

When a loved one passes away, it is often difficult to know what steps to take and in what order. Already filled with grief, an individual does not need to make the process any more painful than it already is. There are a few immediate needs and other responsibilities that should occur within the first couple of weeks. It is most important that family members have these tough conversations while they’re alive in order to ensure that wishes are met.

Immediate Steps

1. Get a Pronouncement of Death

• When the individual is in a healthcare facility like a hospital or nursing home, this will happen naturally. For those who pass at home, call their doctor or hospice caretaker.
• In cases of unexpected death, call 911 and paramedics will take over. Knowing whether the individual has a DNR (do not resuscitate) in place is essential. With a DNR, you can call their primary physician instead.

2. Call a Mortuary or Crematorium

• Arrange for the body to be transported if no autopsy is needed. By law, prices for these services must be provided over the phone. (gov, pg. 17).

3. Notify Family and Friends

• Notify family and friends, and arrange care of any dependents, including pets. Inform the employer of the deceased and request information about benefits, life insurance or pay owed at this time. Secure the individual’s home if they lived alone (lock up, temperature control, food, etc.)

4. Make Funeral Arrangements

• Plan the service and burial or cremation, ensuring the individual’s wishes are met. Rely on funeral homes to guide you through the process.

Within the First Two Weeks

1. Safeguard Assets and Locate Documents

• Find the will, birth certificate, marriage and divorce certificates, Social Security information, life insurance policies, financial documents, and keys to safe deposit boxes or home safes. Consider digital assets like email, social networks, and files.

2. Contact a Probate Attorney

• Seek assistance from professionals such as a probate attorney, accountant, tax preparer, investment advisor, personal banker, mortgage lender, and life insurance agent.

3. Notify Relevant Agencies

• Contact any agencies from which the deceased received benefits to stop payments and inquire about survivor benefits. Such as the Social Security Administration (800-772-1213; gov) or Veterans Affairs (800-827-1000; va.gov)
• Inform any agency providing a pension to the deceased.
• Notify utility companies, the postal office, the IRS, credit card companies, and the DMV to prevent identity theft.

4. Manage Digital Accounts

• Request social media companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram to remove or memorialize the deceased person’s account. Close other digital accounts like email.

Conclusion

Handling the affairs of a deceased loved one involves many steps and can be overwhelming, especially while grieving. Remember, you are not alone, and professionals are available to help you through this difficult time.

Contact us at contact@jlonglaw.com or 312-344-3644 if you have any questions regarding this process.