What to Do After the Funeral

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Once the funeral is over, there are still many pragmatic details to deal with along with the process of grieving. Organizations like the AARP provide many resources to help you through the days and months following the funeral, and the Colorado Bar Association maintains a substantial list of organizations you need to contact following someone's death. Some of the things you'll need to attend to immediately include:

1. Obtain Death Certificates: You need to attain several copies of your loved one's death certificate. The funeral director will typically help you with this. There is a price associated with obtaining the first one; subsequent copies are less expensive. If you need additional copies at a later date, you can contact your county's Vital Records Office. These certificates are necessary to legally establish your loved one's death and obtain benefits from governmental and financial institutions.
2. Locate Important Papers and Certificates: These may include banking-related documents, investment statements, insurance policies, tax forms and the deceased's social security card.
3. Notify Insurance Companies in Writing: Each company will need a statement of claim and a death certificate before the surviving spouse can receive any benefits.
4. Contact the Social Security Office: If your spouse has passed away, you may be eligible for benefits.
5. Notify the Deceased's Employer and Creditors: Write a letter to your loved one's employer and creditors.
6. Consult a Lawyer: Discuss fees before you actually solicit a lawyer's help, but understanding the legal ramifications of your loved one's death is that much easier with professional help.

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