RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Following a death, there are many things that must be done by family members or representatives of the deceased. These can be difficult times for all concerned, and many issues may be more easily dealt with before death occurs. These issues may include decisions about:

funeral home
cemetery or mausoleum property
memorial or funeral service
monument
casket or urn choice
vault selection
clothing for the viewing of the deceased
information for the obituary
music, prayers, and/or speakers for the memorial or funeral service
By contacting the funeral home in advance, useful information and assistance may be obtained. In addition, pre-planning and signing necessary papers prior to the death may qualify families for lower rates for services provided by the funeral home.

After the death, phone calls to various agencies, organizations and personal services may also be necessary. Some agencies may need to know the date of the death. In most cases, the funeral home will provide needed documentation, such as death certificates, for these agencies.

Calls that may need to be made following the death may include:

to faith system, such as minister, rabbi, spiritual advisor
insurance agents (such as life, health, disability)
unions and fraternal organizations
attorney (if applicable)
accountant

executor of the estate

government offices, including social security and Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

pensions plans

Veterans Administration (if applicable)

bank, investment companies, mortgage companies (if applicable)

Title on all real estate property may have to be changed. If applicable, application for widowed person exemption as well as homestead and disability exemptions may be completed.