The loss of a parent can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. The grief can be overpowering, whether the death came unexpectedly or your loved one has been ill for a long time. You may find it hard to function when a family member dies. Still, some tasks need to be handled right away. Here’s a “what to do when a parent dies” checklist.
What to Do When a Parent Dies – Checklist
- Contact relevant authorities to obtain a legal pronouncement of death and secure a death certificate, which is essential for handling funeral arrangements and settling the estate.
- Quickly notify close family and friends, and ensure dependents and pets are cared for. Securing your parent’s home and belongings is essential to prevent unauthorized access or theft.
- Inform key financial institutions and gather necessary documents, such as the will, insurance policies, and financial statements. Begin managing immediate financial responsibilities, such as paying bills, and start the process of estate settlement. You may not have access to your loved one’s bank account during this time.
- Seek emotional support through grief counselors or support groups and plan the funeral or memorial service according to your parent’s wishes, checking if any pre-arrangements were made.
List of Tasks Following the Death of a Loved One
Here are some things to consider following the death of a parent.
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Contact relevant authorities.
If your parent passed away at home and was not under hospice care, you’ll need to contact emergency services to obtain a legal pronouncement of death. The medical staff will typically handle this if they were in a nursing home, hospital, or under hospice care. The death certificate is a critical document that will be needed for funeral arrangements, closing accounts, and settling the estate.
You will also need to quickly decide on what cremation provider or funeral home will care for your loved one’s body. Before making this decision, look through your parent’s personal documents. They may have already pre-arranged and prepaid for their funeral services.
2. Notify close family members and friends.
One of the first actions to take is notifying close family members and friends about your parent’s passing. Carefully consider how you notify others — and in what order. Think about how you would want to be told such news. (For example, avoid posting about the death on social media accounts until all close family members and friends are notified.)
3. Arrange for the care of dependents and pets.
If your parent had dependents, such as minor children or pets, you must ensure they are immediately cared for. This might involve contacting relatives or friends who can take on temporary guardianship or pet care.
4. Secure your parent’s home and belongings.
Securing your parent’s home and belongings is essential to prevent theft or unauthorized access. This includes locking doors, safeguarding valuables, and ensuring that financial accounts are not tampered with. If your parent lived alone, consider asking a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on the property, especially if it will be unoccupied for a period.
5. Inform key financial institutions.
Notify your parent’s employer. You will also need to notify their financial institutions and life insurance company. You can only access accounts, including your parent’s bank accounts if you are an authorized user. However, notifying the companies that held their bank and brokerage accounts will limit the likelihood of fraud or identity theft occurring after your loved one’s death.
Typically, funeral directors report deaths to the Social Security Administration. This institution then notifies the three major credit bureaus, and a freeze is placed on your loved one’s social security number so that no new accounts can be opened in your loved one’s name.
6. Gather important documents needed for the estate and death certificate.
Begin gathering essential documents that will be needed for legal and financial matters. These may include the will, insurance policies, financial statements, social security information, and other legal documents. If you’re unsure where these documents are located, consider contacting your parent’s attorney or financial advisor for guidance. They may also be stored in your loved one’s personal papers or their safety deposit box.
You will need your loved one’s social security number and information about their birth to fill out the form required for death certificates. As you look through your parent’s personal property, consider putting aside information that could be used in your loved one’s obituary, such as details about their education, profession, or military service.
7. Plan the funeral or memorial service.
Depending on your parent’s wishes, you may need to arrange a funeral or memorial service. Contact a funeral home to help with these arrangements, including selecting a casket or urn, setting a date and location for the service, and coordinating with any religious or cultural leaders. If your parent had preplanned their funeral, much of this may already be outlined, easing the burden during this difficult time.
Consider contacting the funeral homes near you to see if final arrangements had been made.
8. Take care of immediate financial responsibilities.
You may need to pay bills on behalf of your parent’s estate, such as mortgage payments, utility bills, or credit card payments. This will prevent late fees. Consider having the post office forward your parent’s mail to your home.
9. Begin the process of estate settlement.
While settling your parent’s estate will take time, you can start by notifying the executor of the will, if one is named, and beginning the probate process. An attorney experienced in estate law can help you with the probate court process and ensure that your parent’s wishes are honored. You may be entitled to death benefits from your parent’s insurance policy.
The estate may take some time to distribute assets, as the debts of the deceased person must first be paid.
10. Seek emotional support.
Coping with the death of a parent is an emotional journey, and it’s important to seek support during this time. Consider reaching out to grief counselors, support groups, or religious communities that can offer comfort and guidance as you navigate your loss.
The immediate aftermath of a parent’s death is a time of deep sorrow, but taking care of these essential steps can help ensure that the personal and legal details are handled properly and with respect. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from family, friends, and professionals as you navigate this challenging time.
It will take time before your parent’s remaining assets are distributed. If you are worried about paying for your loved one’s end-of-life expenses, contact Smart Cremation. We offer compassionate, caring service while helping families save up to 75% or more on funeral service fees. Contact a member of our team — any time, day or night — for assistance.
