A helpful checklist for surviving family members.


Immediately following the death, you should:

1. Contact the funeral home to take your loved one into their care.
2. Contact your minister.
3. Alert immediate family members and close friends.
4. If employed, contact the deceased’s employer.
5. If applicable, notify agent under Power of Attorney.
6. Alert the executor of your loved one’s Will.
7. Notify religious, fraternal, and civic organizations that your loved one was a member of.
8. Notify your attorney regarding the probate of the estate.
9. Arrange for the care of any dependents.
10. If the deceased had any pets, arrange for their immediate care.
11. Remove any valuables from the deceased’s home, secure the residence, and take steps to make the home appear to be occupied (for example, use of lamp timers).
12. Arrange for the disposal of any perishables left in the deceased’s home- such as food, refrigerated items, and existing refuse.
13. Alert the Post Office to forward the deceased’s mail.
14. Locate loved one’s important documents:
    Will
    Birth certificate
    Social Security card
    Marriage license
    Military discharge papers (DD-214)
    Deed to burial property
    Copy of funeral prearrangements
    Life insurance policies