Life and death are two of the most natural occurrences in the world. Both happen on a daily basis; the former is applauded whilst the latter is rarely talked about and, in some instances, even considered taboo.
Unfortunately, we must deal with these issues headfirst. This stage of life is excruciatingly difficult but with a great support group and some direction you can get through all the legal aspects as quickly as possible.
Obtain a Death Certificate
First things first, you’re going to need to obtain a death certificate and make some official copies as well. This is a crucial document that can be obtained from the medical professional who pronounced your loved one as dead. Without the death certificate, you won’t be able to plan the funeral or sort out any legal procedures.
Let Your Friends and Family Know
Informing your loved ones is probably one of the most difficult steps you must take. You don’t have to reach out to every single person they knew, you can also ask others to spread the message and help you get the news out.
Make Arrangements for Pets
If the deceased had any pets, these should be taken care of by a friend or relative, at least until you figure out a permanent solution for the animals. If worse comes to worst, you can lodge them at a special kennel for animals.
Organize the Funeral
Hopefully, the deceased will have left you a rough guide as to what specific arrangements they wanted for their funeral. Search for details regarding the service, the funeral home, and the burial plan. If not, make sure to research your different options and make a joint decision with other family members.
Find The Will
Another important part of the process is finding their will and taking it to the family attorney or an estate lawyer. In the case that they do not have a suitable or up-to-date will, you will have to apply the rules of intestacy, to read more about rules of intestacy in AFG Law’s guide click here.
Notify Their Employer
If your loved one was still employed at the time of their passing, you will need to contact their place of work and notify them of their passing. Don’t forget to ask whether they have any outstanding compensation or if they were eligible for a life insurance policy via their work.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, make sure to take care of yourself too. Whether the death happens instantly or whether it is prolonged over some time, facing it head-on is never easy. Although it may not seem like it now, time will put everything into perspective. Make sure to celebrate the life of your loved ones and appreciate all the things in life that they have taught you.
These steps are hard to take, but ultimately, they are very necessary. Don’t be afraid to reach out or ask for help if you need it and take each day as it comes.
