First Steps

My Loved One Just Died, What Do I Do Now?

Your First Steps Explained

The overwhelming feelings of despair, disbelief, shock, and numbness caused by the passing of a loved one cannot be conveyed by mere words. Even when the death is expected, the pain that loss brings can still be devastating. In truth, no one is completely prepared for the death of someone close to their heart.

During this difficult time, there are decisions to be made immediately, arrangements to be coordinated, and a lot of things to be considered for your loved one’s final farewell. We understand how this may feel overwhelming, especially with the grief you’re feeling over the loss. Please know that we are here to help and support you.

On this page, we’ve put together helpful information to guide you through this process.

 

NOTIFY PROPER AUTHORITIES

If your loved one passes away while under the care of a facility, such as a nursing home or a hospital, staff from the facility will contact you and notify appropriate authorities themselves.

If the death occurred in the workplace or at home, you will need to get in touch with his/her physician or emergency medical personnel, as the cause of death must be identified and indicated in legal documents.

In the event that no one was present at the time of death, you will need to contact the police before moving the deceased to another location.

CALL THE FUNERAL HOME

A caring funeral director can assist you with your funeral arrangements. They will collect information from you in order to facilitate the transfer of your loved one’s remains to their facility. You would also be asked if the deceased has made pre-arrangements and whether or not you’d like for him/her to be embalmed. While of course you can ask any questions you have in your mind during this call, note that once you visit the funeral home, they will discuss the arrangements in greater detail.

During this call, you’ll also be informed about the things that you need to bring with you like the clothes your deceased loved one will use for the burial. Feel free to call them whenever you feel the need to. Remember that they are here to listen to you, help you, and guide you during this difficult and trying time.

DON’T OVERLOOK THE LESS OBVIOUS STUFF
  • Arrange for someone to take care of other dependents and pets where appropriate.
  • Have someone secure personal belongings like cars, boats, motorcycles, etc.
  • Have someone secure the house. Remove perishables from refrigerator, empty trash and recycle bins.
  • Make sure the house will not freeze if in winter.
  • See if a neighbor can keep an eye on things.
  • Enlist in help with notifying relatives and friends of the death. It can be hard to do yourself.
FILE FOR A DEATH CERTIFICATE

A death certificate is a legal document indicating the cause of death, including other vital statistics pertaining to the deceased, signed by the attending physician. In case your loved one died due to an accident, a coroner or the county medical examiner may prepare the form. If you feel that you need assistance in filing for this legal document with the state, the Funeral Director can help you. Certified copies of the death certificate can also be purchased at the same time. These certified copies are important when gaining access to bank accounts and safety deposit boxes, claiming for benefits due to the family (like the Veteran’s benefits or insurance claims), and transferring or selling ownership of properties.

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR/STAFF

On your first meeting with the funeral director, they will discuss the arrangements for your loved one’s burial. You will be shown a list of packages/services so you can decide what suits your family’s preferences and budget. You will be asked whether you’d prefer burial or cremation arrangements and optionally you would select a casket, schedule a time and date for the services, decide on the location of the burial, draft an obituary notice, arrange for vehicle services, and select pallbearers.

The Director and staff would also use this opportunity to inquire about your loved one to have a better understanding of the person the services will honor. It will be extremely helpful if you can bring some memorabilia — photos, videos, treasured items, letters — that would give a clearer picture on how you envision paying tribute to your loved one.

AFTER THE FUNERAL AND BURIAL

Seek the help of a qualified attorney to guide you through the execution of wills, probate, sales of estate property, etc.

Portions of this Document Courtesy of Brettschneider/Trettin/Nickel Funeral Home 920-733-7383

Please request an appointment to discuss your concerns and questions

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