Death is a part of life, and as such, it’s crucial to be prepared for the event. It can be hard to know what you should do when your loved one passes away, but thankfully many steps can make the process easier on you and those around you. Check out this article for some helpful tips on preparing for death and ensuring that all of your bases are covered.
1. Make funeral arrangements, including burial and cremation costs
One of the most important steps you’ll need to take after a loved one dies is making funeral arrangements. In many countries, you can choose between burial and cremation; although, only one or the other is permitted in some places. Either way, it’s vital to set up a time for services and plan for any costs that may come up during this difficult time. You’ll also want to prearrange your loved one’s funeral as soon as possible, potentially saving yourself and your family a lot of stress later.
2. Identify the person’s will and estate
One of the first things you’ll want to do is identify any documents related to your loved one’s will and estate. This includes things like a living will, last will and testament, and power of attorney. Knowing where these documents are and who is in charge of them can help to make the process much smoother. Contact wills and estate lawyers who can help you with this document.
3. Determine whether they have a power of attorney or medical power of attorney in place
If your loved one has already designated someone to make decisions on their behalf in the event of a medical emergency, then you’ll want to contact that person as soon as possible. If they have not yet made such a designation, you may need to step in and take on that role. This can be a lot of responsibility, but it can also be helpful to have someone you can rely on during this difficult time.
4. Contact the deceased’s banks and other financial institutions
Once you have been notified of your loved one’s death, you’ll need to contact their banks and other financial institutions to begin the process of transferring assets and closing accounts. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to ensure everything is handled correctly.
5. Notify family and friends
One of the most difficult tasks after a loved one’s death is notifying family and friends. It can be hard to know what to say, but it’s important to communicate as soon as possible. You may also want to set up a memorial service, especially if your loved one was well-loved.
6. Contact the deceased’s employer
The next step you’ll need to take is contacting your loved one’s employer, which can be an unpleasant task. This means notifying them of their death and telling them when they will no longer be working. You may also need to contact their insurance company and other benefits providers.
7. Gather personal information for death certificates, obituaries, and other documentation
When a loved one dies, there are a lot of essential documents that need to be gathered. This includes things like death certificates, obituaries, and other records. It’s necessary to collect this information as soon as possible so that it can be properly documented.
8. Deal with the deceased’s belongings
After a loved one dies, there are often a lot of belongings that need to be dealt with, whether it’s clothing or other personal effects. You should try to sort through all of this as soon as possible, making moving forward after the loss easier. You can also leave some of this up to friends and family members who may want some mementos of your loved one.
9. Update any beneficiary designations they may have
These can be found in life insurance policies or retirement plans. Ensure that you are listed as the recipient if anything were to happen to them. Doing so can help to avoid any confusion or delay in receiving the benefits you are entitled to.
10. Close out the deceased’s social media accounts
In this digital age, it’s important to remember to close out your loved one’s social media accounts after they die. This can be a difficult task, but it’s important to ensure their online presence is properly memorialised.
Death is an inevitable part of life, but it can still be challenging to cope with when a loved one dies. Many things need to be taken care of after someone passes away, and the process can be confusing and overwhelming. By preparing ahead, you can save yourself a lot of stress in the days after your loved one is gone.