The death of a loved one is already a stressful time, but if you aren’t sure what you need to do, the load can become too much. From arranging the funeral service to obtaining the death certificate, there are a lot of details to handle following your loved one’s passing, and making a list of tasks will help you get through it without adding more turmoil. 

What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away

1. Make Arrangements

If your loved one passed away at home, you’ll need to alert the authorities so a legal death certificate can be obtained. If they were in a care facility or hospital, then the staff should take care of this for you. You’ll also need to contact your loved one’s lawyer regarding their will, so you know what arrangements to make. If they didn’t pre-arrange their funeral service, you’ll need to contact a funeral home and make arrangements for them.

2. Notify Friends & Family

Next comes notifying everyone of the loss. Make a list of those that you know, and check your loved one’s address books for other names. If you don’t want to be responsible for notifying everyone, ask someone to help you. Be sure to tell them the details of the funeral service and any other relevant plans. You should also contact organizations your loved one was a part of, such as the military and work, to notify them of the loss and determine if your loved one was entitled to any benefits.

3. Take Care of Their Estate & Dependents

If the loved one had a living will prepared, it makes this step simpler. Contact their lawyer to receive instructions on how to proceed based on the will. If they didn’t have one, the lawyer will be able to help get everything sorted. If your loved one had dependents, such as kids or pets, ensure that they’re taken care of, following any legalities or directives in the will. If the deceased’s home is now vacant, be sure to collect mail, water plants, and put security systems in place if necessary.

4. Seek Support & Guidance

Above all, it’s important to take care of yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance and support from family and friends, especially when making arrangements. Grief is one of the most trying times of life, and it’s when you need the people close to you the most. If you’re struggling especially hard with the loss, you’re encouraged to contact a professional that specializes in grief counseling.

For a beautiful funeral service for your loved one, reach out to Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home of Lebanon in Ohio. This funeral home has provided memorial, burial, and cremation services for over 30 years, providing an intimate, respectful experience. Their comprehensive services can be tailored to your wishes, and they offer unique memorialization keepsakes, like 3D crystal tributes and urns. Whether you need cremation services or a traditional funeral service, you’ll find them here. Learn about their burial services online, and call (513) 932-1239 to begin the planning process.