Death is not something we like to think about, but it is still an inevitable fact of life. When a loved one passes away, we can easily become overwhelmed by undue decisions and the escalating costs of arranging a funeral. With more than a century of experience building high-quality memorials, Legacy Headstones understands a thing or two about coping with the practical tasks of everyday life while enduring the emotional repercussions of loss. In this guide, we provide useful tips to keep in mind when burying a loved one. Join us as we explore several facets of losing a loved one, from planning the burial to closing any accounts opened in the deceased’s name.
Contact all immediate family members. Death has a way of bringing families closer together, and it’s important to keep your family as up-to-date as possible while details about your loved one’s death unfold. You can contact every immediate family member by calling them individually or sending out a mass email and direct message.
Fulfill your loved one’s requests and instructions. People sometimes leave testaments and other documents that make any burial wishes or requests known for future reference. Without those wishes, families are often left confused and uncertain when a loved one suddenly passes away. You must respect all wishes of the deceased but follow what you can realistically afford and plan. Start by choosing a funeral home or director to help you during this difficult time.
Research to see if you qualify for any burial benefits. With the rising costs of funeral expenses, many Americans find themselves torn between burial and cremation. Both final forms of disposition can be costly, but you or your loved one might qualify for certain burial benefits depending on experiences and qualifications. Veterans and families might be eligible for counseling, educational assistance, fiduciary services, monetary benefits, and so much more.
Make several copies of your loved one’s death certificate for future tasks. Death certificates are used for legal purposes, and there’s a good chance you’ll need several records on hand to complete any upcoming tasks or claims. Certified death records usually cost between $10 and $20, while uncertified copies can only be used in research.
Notify all companies, service providers, and advisors that your loved one is dead. As one of the most dreaded aspects of losing a loved one and preparing his or her memorial, notification can quickly add to the stress that you or anyone involved is feeling. However, it’s important to contact all health providers, insurance companies, membership organizations, reporting agencies, attorneys, financial institutions, and other persons of importance.
Planning and preparing for the burial of a loved one is no small task, but Legacy Headstones is here to help you with the many stages of grief. We hope that this guide provides a little more insight into the considerations you’re missing.