Step 2
Funeral and services
Once you've gotten everything planned out, friends and family reached out to, and services booked now is the time to actually make everything happen.
Step 1
Research and plan
Use this guide to help understand the full scope of what goes into a loved one passing away. Ask a friend or family member for help during this time. And begin to make all of the arrangements.
Step 3
Post-funeral services
Most people don't realize that it can take 13 to 20 months to complete all of the tasks from start to finish. Paperwork, closing of accounts, and many other tasks that we don't think about.
Step 1
Research and plan
Utilize this guide to gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved when a loved one passes away. Seek assistance from a friend or family member during this period, and commence making all necessary arrangements.
Step 2
Funeral and services
Once you've completed all your planning, informed friends and family, and booked the services, it's time to put everything into action.
Step 3
Post-funeral services
Once funeral services have concluded, it’s time to start settling the decedent's outstanding matters. For families, completing all the necessary tasks from start to finish can take anywhere from 13 to 20 months. This includes paperwork, closing accounts, and numerous other tasks that often go overlooked. This is where Steps After Life can help relieve you of all the unnecessary stress! Call us today to learn how we can help.
Full checklist of things to do after a loved one passes away.
GATHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
- Will (if one exists)
- Military discharge papers
- Insurance policies (health, life, property)
- Citizenship papers (if appropriate)
- Automobile title
- Property deeds
- Marriage license
- Income tax returns (past two years)
- Disability claims (if any)
- All documents necessary for deceased’s taxes (ask your accountant)
- Financial and bank statements
- Retirement, pension and brokerage accounts
- Debt records
- Mortgage
- Marriage agreements
- Business agreements (such as LLC or partnership agreements)
- Bills (utilities, services, subscriptions)
- Get A Legal Document of the Death
FIND OUT IF THEY WERE AN ORGAN DONOR
INFORM FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS
ARRANGE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES TRANSPORTATION TO FINAL RESTING SPOT
- Cremation Companies
- Funeral Homes
- Body Donation
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO GET ACCESS TO WILL
DETERMINE THE EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE
CONTACT THEIR EMPLOYER TO UNDERSTAND BENEFITS
GATHER INFORMATION FOR THE OBITUARY AND CONTACT NEWSPAPER
Key facts and information you need for an obituary:
- Given name
- Armed services number
- Date and birthplace
- Occupation and employer
- Mother’s maiden name and birthplace
- Father’s name and birthplace
- Those who have preceded in death
- Survivors and relationship to deceased
- Hobbies, interests
- Schools attended
TAKE SECURITY PRECAUTIONS AT THEIR HOME
FORWARD MAIL AND SAVE IMPORTANT BILLS
CANCEL NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINE, AND ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
IF THERE IS A BURIAL
- Choose a burial site
- Pick a burial container
- Pick out clothing for your loved one’s body
- Choose pallbearers
- Order a funeral limousine if needed
- Sign necessary papers for burial permit
- Choose the memorial type and inscription
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT FOR THE FUNERAL SERVICE AND MEMORIAL CELEBRATION
- Choose the prayers, poems or other readings that would best celebrate the life of your loved one.
- Choose the special people to read eulogies and tell stories.
- Pick the type of flowers. We have ideas here.
- Choose the music that celebrates your loved one.
- Choose a charitable organization(s) to receive donations
OTHER THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE FUNERAL
- Arrange care for infants or other minor children
- Keep a list of callers, flower tributes and donations
- Create a guest book for attendees
- Provide lodging for out-of-town attendees
- Prepare your home for family and friends
UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS FOR PAYING FOR A FUNERAL
Things to Do After the Funeral
GET 10-15 COPIES OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE
CONTACT BANKS, MORTGAGE COMPANIES AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS
CONTACT INSURANCE COMPANIES
CLOSE CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS AND NOTIFY CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES
CANCEL DRIVER’S LICENSE
CONTACT SOCIAL MEDIA SITES TO CLOSE OR MEMORIALIZE ACCOUNTS
CONTACT SOCIAL SECURITY TO APPLY FOR SURVIVOR BENEFITS
CONTACT MEDICARE