1. Notify authorities:
In order to close bank accounts and finalize other affairs, it is necessary to notify the appropriate authorities of the death. This may include the police, the coroner or medical examiner, and the social security administration.
2. Notify other family members:
It is often important for family members to be notified of a death as soon as possible. This allows them to begin grieving and arranging for funeral services if desired.
3. Close bank accounts:
Once the death has been officially confirmed, it is important to close any bank accounts that the deceased person had access to. This can be done by contacting the bank and providing proof of death.
4. Cancel subscriptions:
Many people have monthly subscriptions for services like cable or internet. It is important to cancel these subscriptions after a death in order to avoid unnecessary charges.
5. Arrange for the disposition of the body:
After a death, there are many decisions that must be made regarding the disposition of the body. This may include burial or cremation, as well as choosing a funeral home.
6. Take care of final arrangements:
There are many details that must be taken care of in order to finalize someone's death. This may include collecting jewelry or personal belongings from the hospital, cancelling mail, or notifying utility companies about shut-off dates.
7. Obtain death certificates:
In order to settle an estate or make changes to insurance policies, it is often necessary to obtain copies of death certificates. These can be obtained from the state's vital records office.
8. Notify social security:
The social security administration should be notified of a death in order to stop any benefits that were being paid to the deceased person and to begin processing survivor benefits if applicable.
9. Handle the estate:
After a loved one's death, it may be necessary to handle their estate. This can involve contacting beneficiaries, paying debts, and distributing assets as specified in a will or trust agreement.
10. Grief counseling:
Grieving is a natural process that everyone deals with differently. For some people, professional grief counseling may be necessary in order to work through the pain of losing a parent.