Steps to Take After a Death in the Family

An unexpected death in the family can turn a person's world upside down. Important arrangements and final plans can be challenging as emotional stress can cloud an otherwise rational judgment.

Typically a surviving spouse will be granted full authority to have the final say over the arrangements and funeral planning and the decision of how the body is disposed of. If the surviving spouse is determined to be incompetent or does not choose to make the final decisions, or if the deceased is not survived by a spouse, the responsibility will be turned over to a relative.

Assuming the deceased has not left any instructions or has not designated an executor of his or her estate, the appointed relative or spouse will decide what happens to the body, such as burial or cremation. After a person dies and a family member has been appointed to handle final arrangements, that person becomes responsible for the body and personal effects, unless a legally binding Uniform Anatomical Gift Act is in place. This means the body has been donated to science. If you would like to donate the organs of the deceased you can authorize removal of the organs. This is not always an option, but if you are able to do this it will not delay funerals or burials.

There are so many details and arrangements to tend to it is easy to feel overwhelmed when someone in your family dies. I hope this list of tasks to complete immediately can help in this emotionally stressful situation.

You need to locate any papers that involve final wishes, such as organ donation information and disposal of the body. It is not uncommon for people to pre plan in the event of their death. Sign these papers immediately, assuming you have the right to do so.

Obtain a death certificate from the medical facility that the person passed away at, or where the body was transported to.

Get in contact with your funeral home of choice to begin making arrangements for the transference of the body and the funeral planning. Determine if a burial plot is needed. Call your minister for spiritual council. Prepare an obituary and submit it along with payment for publication in any necessary newspapers. Contact members of the family and close friends and inform them of details and funeral plans. Locate a photo of the deceased for the mortician in the event that the body is not in ideal conditions.