When Someone Dies - 6. What to Do When Someone Dies

FIRST STEPS

* call the doctor -- the doctor will probably call the coroner for you
* try not to move anything until an official pronouncement is made
* make note of the time of death (as near as you can)
* contact friends or family for support during this difficult time
* keep a running list of people to thank (for help, support, flowers, etc.)

LEGALITIES AND PAPERWORK

* get a copy of the death certificate from the attending doctor or coroner
* contact the local Registry Office with temporary death certificate
* submit the address, complete name, and date and place of birth / death
* you will receive a standard death certificate
* required to go through probate, file insurance claims, collect pensions, etc.
* you will receive a disposal certificate for burial or cremation
* collect up the will, any estate documents, and insurance policies

MAKING FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

* decide on a funeral home and talk to the director about the arrangements
* locate the person's burial instructions and last wishes
* determine if the burial or cemetery plot has been pre-paid
* choose a location, date, and time for the services
* ask for itemized list of funeral and burial costs and what they cover
* determine if you want ashes scattered or in a container (for a cremation)
* let mourners know if they should send flowers or charitable donations
* determine if you want a "viewing" before hand -- open or closed casket
* decide on the prayers, music, and structure of the service
* make preparations for food and beverages after the service

NOTIFYING OTHERS

* use the person's address book to call friends and family personally
* contact the person's employer and co-workers
* place an obituary that town's local newspaper
* inform any governmental agencies (social security, IRS, military, etc.)
* notify any insurance agencies or financial institutions
* contact the person's attorney and executor of the will
* cancel utility services
* notify the post office and have mail re-directed
* cancel rental lease or assume mortgage payments

TAKING CARE OF FINANCIAL CONCERNS

* all financial decisions must be made by the executor of the will
* "grant of probate" allows payment of any debts still left open
* find out who beneficiaries are on any insurance policies or other accounts
* remainder of assets will then be distributed according to the will

WHEN THERE IS NO WILL

* all decisions must be made by spouse or closest other relative
* need to contact an attorney for advice and guidance throughout process
* can get the necessary forms at the local probate office
* will need to determine what assets the person owned and any debts owed
* return required forms to probate with standard death certificate
* get Letters of Administration from probate to distribute the person's assets

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and NAPO Golden Circle Member. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile.