8 Steps on What to Do When Someone Dies
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
✅
Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
Losing a loved one is never easy, and it can be difficult to know what to do next. In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive checklist of steps to take after someone dies.
We’ll cover everything from funeral planning and burial arrangements to estate planning and the probate process.
We’ll also discuss the role of life insurance in covering final expenses and provide tips for obtaining a death certificate and dealing with a will and testament.
Easy Article Navigation
Notify Family and Friends
The first step after someone dies is to notify family and friends. This can be done through phone calls, emails, or social media posts.
It’s important to reach out to anyone who needs to know, such as close relatives, employers, and business partners.
Contact a Funeral Director
Once family and friends have been notified, the next step is to contact a funeral director. The funeral director can provide guidance on funeral planning, burial arrangements, and other end-of-life services.
Make Funeral Arrangements
Funeral arrangements can include everything from choosing a casket and planning a ceremony to selecting music and arranging for transportation.
The funeral director can help with these details and provide options for personalized and meaningful service.
Obtain a Death Certificate
A death certificate is an official document that verifies the death of an individual. It’s typically required for legal and financial purposes, such as settling an estate or making insurance claims.
The funeral director can help obtain a death certificate from the appropriate authorities.
Secure the Deceased’s Property and Assets
Securing the deceased’s property and assets is an important step in estate planning. This can include everything from locking the individual’s home to freezing bank accounts and canceling credit cards.
Begin Estate Planning
Estate planning involves organizing and distributing the deceased’s assets according to their wishes.
This can include creating a will and testament, establishing trusts, and designating beneficiaries for life insurance policies and retirement accounts.
Understand the Probate Process
The probate process is the legal process of settling an estate. It can involve everything from validating a will and distributing assets to paying off debts and filing taxes.
It’s important to work with an attorney or estate planner to navigate the probate process.
Check for Life Insurance Policies
Life insurance policies can provide financial support to loved ones after someone dies. It’s important to check for any existing policies and to contact the insurance company to initiate the claims process.
Pay Final Expenses
Final expenses can include everything from funeral costs to outstanding debts and bills. It’s important to work with an attorney or estate planner to prioritize and pay these expenses as needed.
Take a Break, See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
FAQs
What is a death checklist?
A death checklist is a comprehensive list of tasks and steps to take after someone dies. It can include everything from notifying family and friends to settling an estate and filing taxes.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of organizing and distributing an individual’s assets after they die.
It can include creating a will and testament, establishing trusts, and designating beneficiaries for life insurance policies and retirement accounts.
What is the probate process?
The probate process is the legal process of settling an estate. It involves validating a will, distributing assets, paying off debts, and filing taxes.
How do I know if someone had a life insurance policy?
To find out if someone had a life insurance policy, you can check their personal papers and financial records, contact their employer or former employer, or contact the state insurance commissioner’s office.
Who pays for final expenses after someone dies?
Final expenses are typically paid for by the deceased’s estate or by their surviving family members. Life insurance policies can also be used to cover final expenses.
What is the role of a funeral director?
A funeral director helps with funeral planning, burial arrangements, and other end-of-life services.
They can also provide emotional support to grieving family members and help obtain necessary documents like death certificates.
Pros and Cons of Life Insurance for Final Expenses
While life insurance can provide financial support for final expenses, there are pros and cons to consider before purchasing a policy.
We are partnered with multiple A/A+ rated carriers. These include Mutual of Omaha, American Amicable, and Fraternal Companies like Royal Arcanum.
Pros
- Provides a death benefit to cover final expenses
- Can provide financial support to loved ones after the policyholder’s death
- Offers peace of mind for the policyholder and their family
Cons
- Premiums can be costly, especially for older adults or those with health issues
- Policy terms and conditions can be complex and difficult to understand
- Policies may have exclusions or limitations that could affect the death benefit
American Amicable will give you coverage up to $50,000.
Rate Comparison
When comparing life insurance policies for final expenses, it’s important to consider factors like the death benefit, premiums, and policy terms.
Here’s a comparison of rates for a $10,000 whole life policy for a female, 65-year-old non-smoker:
- Mutual of Omaha: $41.01/month
- AIG: $66.42/month
- Gerber Life: $62.61/month
- Foresters Financial: $43.38/month
- Colonial Penn: $79.60/month
Conclusion
Knowing what to do when someone dies can be overwhelming, but by following a checklist and seeking support from professionals like funeral directors and estate planners, you can navigate this difficult time with confidence.
Life insurance can also provide financial support for final expenses, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons and compare rates across multiple carriers to find the best policy for your needs.
By being prepared and informed, you can honor your loved one’s memory and move forward with peace of mind.
