At Foothill Funeral in Glendora, California, we understand the profound grief and overwhelming emotions that follow the loss of a loved one. During these difficult times, it’s crucial to have guidance on the practical steps that need to be taken to honor your loved one’s memory and manage their affairs. In this blog post, we offer a death checklist — suggestions for what to do after a loved one dies.
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Notify Close Family and Friends on your Death Checklist
As soon as you can, inform close family members and friends of the passing. It’s essential to share the news with those who were close to your loved one so they can begin their grieving process.
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Make Sure Your Death Checklist Includes Obtaining the Death Certificate
Contact the attending physician, medical examiner, or hospice provider to obtain the official death certificate. You will need multiple copies for various legal and administrative purposes. At Foothill Funeral, we handle this for our clients.
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Contact Us at Foothill Funeral for Help With a Death Checklist
Reach out to our compassionate and experienced team at Foothill Funeral. We’re here to provide guidance and support through the funeral planning process. We can help you decide for the funeral or memorial service, including selecting a casket or urn, and planning a personalized ceremony to honor your loved one’s life.
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Secure Important Documents
Gather and secure your loved one’s important documents, including their will, insurance policies, and financial records. These documents will be necessary for estate planning and settling their affairs.
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Notify Employers and Financial Institutions
Inform your loved one’s employer of their passing and inquire about any outstanding employment benefits or life insurance policies. Also, notify banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions to prevent any fraudulent activities on their accounts.
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Contact Social Security and Medicare
If your loved one was receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits, contact these agencies to report their passing. You may need to return any benefit payments received after their death.
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Make Funeral or Memorial Arrangements
Work closely with us at Foothill Funeral to plan the funeral or memorial service. Discuss your preferences for the ceremony, burial, or cremation, and any specific wishes your loved one had expressed.
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Write an Obituary
Prepare an obituary to announce your loved one’s passing. Include essential information, such as their name, date of birth, date of passing, and a brief overview of their life. You can publish this in local newspapers and online.
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Settle Outstanding Debts
Work through your loved one’s financial obligations, such as outstanding bills, mortgages, and loans. Notify creditors of their passing and discuss arrangements for settling these debts.
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Update Legal Documents
Consult an attorney to update legal documents, such as wills, trusts, and power of attorney, if applicable. Ensure that their wishes are carried out as specified in these documents.
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Notify Government Agencies
Contact relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, to update records and cancel the driver’s license of your loved one.
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Cancel or Transfer Services
Cancel or transfer your loved one’s services, such as utilities, phone lines, and subscriptions, to prevent unnecessary charges.
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Seek Support and Counseling
Grief can be overwhelming, and it’s essential to seek support. Consider joining a grief support group, seeking counseling, or connecting with friends and family who can provide emotional support during this difficult time.
Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and dealing with the practical aspects can be daunting. At Foothill Funeral in Glendora, California, we are here to assist and guide you every step of the way. Our caring and dedicated team is ready to help you plan a meaningful and respectful farewell for your loved one. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support and funeral arrangements.
About Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California
Funeral directing is a unique job. The reason we enjoy it is because we love helping families during their time of need. Drop by our Glendora showroom any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.