Funeral planning is one of the most difficult tasks you can face. The process involves a number of moving pieces, but with the help and support of a licensed funeral home, you can make sure you check off all of your to-do list items one at a time. Before you can get to mapping out the plans for the funeral itself, you’ll need to spend a bit of time working out the logistics and legal processes to ensure the property and finances of your loved one are squared away. 

If you’re stumped about the steps you should take after your loved one has passed away, here are a few funeral home-approved tips to help you begin:

• Start With a Death Certificate: The very first thing you need to do after a friend or family member has departed is obtain copies of the death certificate from the office of Vital Statistics. You’ll want to make sure the certificates come from the state where the death occurred and that you get several copies for your own records, as well as for later distribution. 
• Letters of Testamentary: Few people are familiar with the concept of letters of testamentary. This process involves contacting the institutions your loved one did business with and letting them know you’re authorized to take over their accounts. If you’re unsure of how to complete this step by yourself, ask a funeral director or estate attorney (if you have one) for help. 
• Notify Government Agencies: Once you’re granted letters of testamentary, you can begin to contact financial and government organizations to let them know your loved one has passed. Begin with the Social Security Administration, and then move on to insurance providers, credit card companies, and the post office. This process is difficult, but it’s also crucial to ensuring your family is not hit with sudden legal fees during their time of grief. 

If you’ve recently lost a loved one in Greenwich, CT, and are looking for a funeral home to help you walk through the necessary legal and logistical steps, consider Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home. Since 1846, this group of compassionate and knowledgeable professionals has relieved families of the burden of funeral planning, granting them the time and space to grieve peacefully with family and friends. For more information, visit them online or call at (203) 869-0315.