Upon the Death of a Loved One
Take Care of Yourself and Your Family
The death of a family member can be the most trying time in a person's life. A great deal of uncertainty and fear accompanies a loved one's death, and coping with the exhausting grief of losing someone you love is overwhelming. At the very same time, you are called upon to make several important and difficult decisions.
We can help you seek advice as it applies to going through the healing process. We have countless years of experience in this industry and we understand. Here are some initial steps that you probably will need to take to move the process along and allow yourself to move on with your life. We are always here, don't hesitate to let us know how we can help.
Who to Contact
Notify a funeral director and clergy, and make an appointment to discuss funeral arrangements. At Serenity Cemeteries, our funeral directors and Family Service Counselors are excellent resources in this time of need. These counselors will give you insight and useful guidance to help you all of the funeral arrangements. Aside from performing traditional functions of grief ministry, setting up the time and location of the funeral ceremony, and taking care of your loved one's preparations for the funeral, our Family Service Counselors can accommodate many technical needs that most people are not aware of. Regardless of the location you choose, our friendly and caring staff will always be there to help you through the process.
We can help you request a certified death certificate from the County/State Office of Vital Statistics. A death certificate is a legal document signed by a physician, coroner, or medical examiner attesting to your relative's cause of death and other vital statistics of the decedent. Copies of these certificates will be needed for his/her employer, creditors, insurance companies, banks and any other potential legal proceedings.
Other important institutions to contact would be the Social Security Administration to inform them of your recent loss as you may be entitled to death benefits. If your loved one served in the military you may be entitled to death benefits through the Veterans Affairs Office as well. All financial institutions should be contacted where accounts or insurance policies are held; these would include life, accident and disability insurers if applicable. Telephone decedent's employee benefits office and or the local Medicare program office and provide them with necessary information.
At a Glance
- Take care of yourself and your family first.
- Seek advice on going through grief and the healing process.
- Obtain several death certificates.
- Notify the lawyer or executor of the estate.
- Contact the local agent about life, accident, disability or other insurance.
- Contact the Social Security Administration about lump sum or monthly benefits.
- Explore eligibility for Civil Service and Veteran's benefits.
- Notify banks, credit card companies, and automatic payment plans.
- Notify the post office.
- Cancel prescription, newspaper, and other subscriptions.
- Gather unpaid bills.
- Consult your financial advisor or an estate attorney.