What to Do When a Loved One Dies

The death of a loved one is traumatic, and the loved ones most stricken are often the ones who must handle the final affairs of the one they loved.

The American Bar Association and AARP, via elder law attorney Sally Balch Hurme, created a book to guide families through the steps to take. It is called “ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Survivors: A Guide to Practical and Legal Matters When Someone You Love Dies” and is available for purchase at Amazon.com.

These categories are addressed; we recommend you consult the book for more details:

From: “ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Survivors: A Guide to Practical and Legal Matters When Someone You Love Dies”

First Things to Do

• Authorize donation of organs or tissue
• Contact the medical school for body bequeathal
• Contact the funeral home for removal of the body
• Make the funeral arrangements
• Research the cost of funerals
• Arrange for burial
• Notify friends and family of the death and funeral arrangements
• Ensure the safety of the home and pets
• Maintain lists of helpers and help needed
• Arrange for a visual tribute
• Write and submit the obituary
• Locate and share legacy information such as an ethical will

The book provides much more detail on each of these items and on the items in each of these sections:

• Get Organized for What Comes Next
• Build a Team You Can Rely On
• Apply for Survivor’s Benefits
• Find Out What’s at the Bank
• Learn What’s Available in Investments
• Check on Insurance Benefits
• Stay Put in Your Home for Now
• Pay the Debts
• Sort Through the Stuff and Paper
• Get Ready for Probate

How Care is There can help:

• Just as we support your loved one and your family in life, we can handle the logistical details that are necessary after death
• Is there a surviving spouse, partner, or dependent child? We can make sure they are looked after and transition successfully to the next phase of their lives

Resources for When a Loved One Dies:

• American Bar Association and AARP

Next Steps

Are you concerned about what to do after the death of a loved one. We can help.

Contact Care is There today for a free consultation.

Central Virginia: 434.326.5323
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com

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