Facing the death of a loved one is painful, and the number of tasks you need to do while planning a funeral, from selecting a monument to sifting through the paperwork, can seem overwhelming. However, you can make the process less of a burden and as easy as possible with the right information. Here are a few details to know about the steps involved in the process.

What to Do After the Death of a Loved One

1. Obtain the Death Certificate

Request the death certificate from the state’s Vital Statistics office or the funeral home and get several certified copies since financial institutions and government agencies often require it. Sometimes there is a small fee for certified copies.

2. Collect Important Documents

You should also gather other documents including wills, trusts, mortgage documents, investments, tax returns, birth and marriage certificates, and credit card statements. Much of this will be necessary for closing out policies and accounts. It will also make contacting proper institutions and agencies simpler. 

3. Notify Certain Institutions

Contact all their financial institutions, government agencies, and any service or utility providers of their death. Also notify their insurance companies, their banks, agencies such as the Social Security Administration, credit card companies, and utility providers so they can cancel any policies or plans as necessary. If your family member was a veteran, contact Veterans Affairs to find out if you qualify for any survivor benefits. 

4.  Decide on a Monument or Headstone

Select a monument to honor your loved one. When purchasing a gravestone from an outside vendor, check with the cemetery to see if they have any size or color requirements. If your loved one was in the military, there are options available that depict the seal of their branch of service.

5. Cancel Any Memberships or Subscriptions

Stop services like gym memberships, online or magazine subscriptions, or club memberships. To save on unnecessary costs and hassle, cancel automatic payments for these services as well. 

Finding the perfect monument for your loved one shouldn’t be a daunting or stressful task. At Derrick Monument Company Inc in Le Roy, NY, their staff understands how difficult it is to lose someone. They work hard to provide outstanding customer care and high-quality products. They offer a number of products including grave markers, headstone design, engraving, and accents such as solar lighting and porcelain dedo pictures. For more information, visit their website or call (585) 768-8470.