Many people don’t realize the large number of decisions that need to be made following the death of a loved one. There are as many as 150 important details that need attention. We have listed the top 87 here.
A relative, friend, or even a stranger is left with the responsibility of making these decisions, often within 72 hours or less, unless if some of the decisions had been made ahead of time.
Our consultants can help you make these decisions ahead of time and can offer guidance to your loved ones – so they can focus on what matters most.
Vital Information, Documents:
1 Take the first step to pre-planning by consulting your Arbor representative for information
2 Name, address and telephone numbers
3 How long at present address
4 Date of birth
5 Place of birth 6 Legal proof of age or birth certificate
7 Citizenship, citizenship papers
8 Social Insurance Number
9 Business name or employer’s address/contact
10 Occupation and title
11 Father’s name
12 Father’s birthplace
13 Mother’s maiden name
14 Mother’s birthplace
15 Religious name (if applicable)
16 Military Service Serial Number (if applicable)
17 Military Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
18 Legal Will and Power of Attorney
19 Pensions
20 Insurance policies (life, health, car, property)
21 Investments
22 Bank books, account numbers
23 Deeds to properties (house, cottage)
24 Bill of sale of automobile, boat, other
25 Income tax returns, receipts, cancelled checks
26 Disability claims
27 Cemetery Certificate of Ownership
28 Marriage License
29 Addresses of children, relatives, close friends etc.
30 Passwords: computer, accounts, social media
Personal Choices, Final Wishes:
31 Meet with funeral director, cemetery representative, and/or clergy about details of wishes
32 Discuss options with loved ones
33 Choose cremation or burial
34 Select style of urn or casket
35 Which funeral practitioner or crematorium to call
36 Place where service is to be held, ie: funeral home, religious institution, other
37 Length and location of the visitation
38 Reception location (funeral home, church, other)
39 Service type (religious, military, casual, themed, etc.)
40 Celebrant (funeral director, clergy, other)
41 Select pallbearers and other participants
42 Choose flowers and/or a commemorative display
43 Choose music (spiritual, popular, live or recorded)
44 Select readings (religious and/or secular)
45 Charitable organizations for in-memorial donations
46 Select catering style (classic, gourmet, themed, custom)
47 Select the cemetery/mausoleum
48 Cemetery lot or niche or crypt location
49 Vault or sectional crypt
50 Style of memorial (marker, stone, niche, bench, etc.)
51 Decorative elements and inscriptions
52 Interment service details, celebrant etc.
53 Note the details/people to be included in obituary
54 Make notes on what to include in eulogy
55 Transportation for deceased
56 Transportation for family (coach, procession, limo)
57 Determine budget and how expenses will be paid: (Full amount due at the time of crisis, or, in affordable installments available by pre-planning)
Who to Notify When a Death Occurs:
58 Funeral home and cemetery
59 Doctors/medical practitioners
60 Relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors
61 Employers of deceased
62 Insurance agents (life, health & accident)
63 Organizations (religious, fraternal, civic, veterans, unions)
64 Lawyer, accountant and executor 65 Bankers, investors, creditors, government
Responsibilities at Time of Death
66 Set time/date of services, visitation, internment
67 Inform and instruct pallbearers
68 Clothing for the deceased
69 Create online memorial (ie: Sharing MemoriesTM)
70 Social media announcements
71 Write eulogy or provide notes to assist the writer
72 Prepare home for receiving visitors
73 Check and sign legal papers, burial permits etc.
74 Place obituary or provide vital statistics about deceased to newspaper
75 Respond to phone calls, messages, cards
76 Arrange lodging for out-of-town guests
77 Make list of callers and floral tributes for mailing thank you cards
78 Arrange for any special religious requirements
79 Check Will regarding specific wishes
80 Order the Death Certificate
81 Arrangements for care of dependents and pets
82 Arrange clergy participation, pay clergy fees
83 Pay utilities and other current or urgent bills (mortgage or rent, taxes, installment payments)
84 Pay any outstanding medical or legal fees
85 Pay florist and caterers, unless paid in advance
86 Pay funeral fees, unless paid in advance
87 Pay cemetery fees, unless paid in advance
It makes sense to plan many of these decisions now. It spares your loved ones from unnecessary stress and guarantees your personal wishes are met.
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