3 Things To Do After the Death of a Close Family Member
Death is an unavoidable part of life, so you will most likely lose a close friend or family member at one point in time. Unfortunately, the loss of a member of your immediate family can be incredibly overwhelming. Knowing what to do after you lose a child, sibling, parent, or spouse will not make the pain go away, but it can reduce the physical, financial, and emotional challenges associated with death. With this guide, you will know exactly what to do when a close family member passes away.
Contact Family, Friends, and Coworkers
One of the first things you should do after receiving the news that your close family member passed away is to call the remaining members of your family.
Consider contacting one member who was close to both you and your recently-deceased family member, so they can help you make the remaining phone calls. Make sure to contact friends and even coworkers of your family member to notify them of the loss, as well.
These will not be pleasant phone conversations, but they are imperative calls that must be made after a loss.
Contact Attorneys and Insurance Companies
You may think your next step is to contact a funeral home. However, that is not the case, since your family member may have already made arrangements for their final wishes. Due to this, it is important to contact your loved one's attorney.
If you are not sure if your loved one had an attorney, search through documents, file cabinets, safes, and drawers located in their home or office for a last will and testament. Your loved one's attorney will not only have copies of these papers, but they will also place you in contact with funeral homes where arrangements were made. In addition, the attorney will contact insurance policy holders on your behalf.
Contact Funeral Home
Of course, your close family member may have passed away unexpectedly, leaving you behind with no legal arrangements and a great deal of confusion. Therefore, you should contact a trusted local funeral home, such as Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home Inc, to make the final arrangements.
Schedule an intake appointment to discuss arrangements for your loved one. It is wise to bring an additional family member to offer support during this time.
If possible, bring any documents that are helpful in making the arrangements, such as a will, insurance policy information, and any documents that address military benefits. These documents will help you and the funeral home make smart decisions that will not leave you emotionally or financially drained.
The loss of a close family member is difficult, but you can make this natural part of life less traumatizing. With these tips and the help of trusted individuals, you can find solace during a dark time.
