What to do when your loved one dies

PLEASE NOTE:  This document should not be considered legal advice.  Any questions should be referred to a licensed professional in your state of permanent residence.

BEFORE YOU THINK YOU NEED IT

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  1. Create a file folder or notebook with all information you can gather about employment records, insurance policies, burial plan policy, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, CDs and IRAs, credit cards, wills, location of safety deposit boxes and keys, real estate deeds, etc.  Be certain that employment records contain all information for your employee benefits office that your family member or representative will need to report your death and start any survivors’ benefits.  Organize the information with account numbers, contact names, telephone numbers, addresses, websites, login information and passwords.  Have your Executor, Successor, Trustee or loved one review everything to be certain it is clear.  Review your information periodically to ensure it is up to date.
  2. Identify any “free” accidental death insurance or other insurance policies you may have received through a bank or credit card company.  Include this information in your folder.
  3. If you want to be a tissue/organ donor, ensure your medical team and family know and will honor your desire.  If you have a Living Will, Do Not Resuscitate Order or any other instructions in the event of a medical emergency, injury or death, put a copy with the information previously gathered and ensure that your doctor has it and family members know where to find it.
  4. Review your will and trusts to ensure they are current and written to minimize taxes.  Verify they are valid for the state in which you are now living. Did you designate an Executor to manage your estate in probate?  Consider consulting an estate or trust attorney to avoid financial pitfalls.  Do you have any special property, art, collections or business agreements requiring particular handling?
  5. Review and document desired funeral arrangements (e.g., mortuary or crematory, pallbearers, church or cemetery).  Have you pre-purchased a plan?  (Note: By law, a mortuary must provide price information over the phone.)  Do you belong to a fraternal order or religious group that may make special arrangements for the funeral?  If you were in the military, they may provide a military honor guard.
  6. If you or a family member has a serious care need (in a long-term care facility, assisted living, or hospice care), ensure that you know the medical wishes and where all the above information is located for that family member. These facilities usually require a legal Medical Directive when the person is admitted.  Is there a member of your family with a disability for which lifetime care must be provided? This is especially important if your family member under care survives you!
IMMEDIATELY UPON THE DEATH OF YOUR LOVED ONE
  1. Get a legal pronouncement of death.  If no doctor is present you will need someone to do this.
    • If the person dies at home without hospice care, have the Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) document in hand then call 911.   Without a DNR, the par