Coping with the loss of a loved one can be incredibly challenging and brings an immense amount of stress on you and your family. Unfortunately, despite the grief, there are still many administrative tasks that must promptly be addressed.
Here's a short list of things you might consider doing during this difficult time:
Notify Family and Friends: Reach out to close family members, friends, and acquaintances to inform them of the passing. If you do not have access to your loved one’s social media, you may not be able to gain access without specific legal documentation. Families fight, it’s inevitable. Remember, this isn’t about you or anyone else except the person who has passed away, always keep their honor and legacy at in mind.
Locate Legal Documents: You will need to identify whether your loved one has already designated someone to plan their funeral or memorial. You will also need to identify whether your loved one has named an executor in their will. Oftentimes, people list their funeral arrangements/wishes in a Will or Funeral Directive. It is important that you locate these documents ahead of time to make sure you are acting in a way that is consistent with your deceased loved one’s wishes. Additionally, this will give you a chance to identify whether your loved one has already invested in pre-paid funeral/burial arrangements.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements: Begin making arrangements for a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. This may involve selecting a funeral home, deciding on a burial or cremation, choosing a location for the service, and arranging transportation, if your loved one has not already decided this prior to their death.
Obtain Death Certificates: Depending on the manner and location of the death, you will have to obtain death certificates. You will likely pick these up from the funeral home that you work with. The funeral home may also notify the Social Security Administration of the death. You should order several death certificates as many institutions still require a certified copy (PHM Law typically recommends ordering at least 8, but every situation is different).
Notify Employer and Financial Institutions: Inform your loved one’s employer, if applicable, and contact their financial institutions, insurance companies, and pension providers. This will help facilitate the transfer of assets and settle financial matters. If your loved one had “Payable on Death” accounts, then you will typically have the beneficiary of the account submit a death certificate to the account administrator. The asset in the account should transfer directly to the beneficiary without probate. If your loved one did not have beneficiaries, you may need to seek legal counsel to assist you in administering your loved one’s estate.
Dealing With Estate Affairs: If your loved one’s estate needs to go through probate, you will save yourself time, money, and a headache by contacting an attorney to help you through this process. If your loved one’s estate does not need to go through probate, but a trust or small estate is involved, it may still be beneficial to contact an attorney to make sure you are correctly administering everything. There are many nuances in the law that can be overlooked without the support of an attorney.
Take Care of Yourself: This shouldn’t only be about the law. You’ve lost someone important to you, so remember to prioritize your own well-being during this time. Grief is a complex process, and self-care is important for emotional and physical health.
Remember that everyone's situation is unique, so this list is not exhaustive. If you are having difficulty navigating through this list, you may want to consult with a legal professional to help you efficiently administer your loved one’s affairs.