There is nothing harder than dealing with the loss of a loved one. Whether it happens suddenly or if you have a chance to prepare, dealing with your loved one’s affairs can be an incredible challenge. This review discusses how you can properly handle your loved one’s affairs after they pass.
8 Tips For Dealing WIth Your Loved One’s Affairs After They Pass
If your loved one has left behind property such as their home or vehicle, it is important to properly deal with the property along with handling the range of tasks that must be done immediately after their passing.
This includes but is not limited to obtaining the necessary documentation (i.e. death certificate); making funeral arrangements; notifying all of your loved one’s friends, family members, and coworkers; notifying financial and government offices; and finding a home for any pets they may have had.
Accept Help And Delegate Responsibilities
First and foremost, it is important to delegate responsibilities when handling your loved one’s affairs, rather than trying to deal with each task yourself. Other family members can help you with difficult tasks, such as making funeral arrangements and notifying loved ones. You may also benefit from professional help, including working with a funeral home, a lawyer, and an accountant. If your loved one was in hospice care, then the hospice care center should help you through the process as well.
Obtain All Of The Documentations You May Need
There are certain documents you may want to obtain after your loved one passes. The documents you may need include but are not limited to:
- A copy of their death certificate
- A copy of their will
- A list of all of their expenses
- Documentation of their property
By collecting as much documentation as you can, it can make the process of handling their affairs easier by reducing the risk of setbacks. For example, you may need a copy of their death certificate to provide to government offices and loan agencies.
Dealing With Their Home, Car, And Other Property
You will need to close up your loved one’s property immediately following their passing to avoid possible theft or damage. If they lived alone, you may need to lock up their home and car, along with throwing out perishable food items. You can also direct their mail to your address to avoid it piling up in their mailbox.
Finding A Home For Your Loved Ones Pets
Finding a home for your loved one’s pets can be a challenge as well. You can start by asking friends and family members if they are willing to take the pets into their home. If not, then you can begin to look for rescue centers that can provide the pet with a good living situation until a forever home is found.
How To notify Financial And Government Offices
You may also need to notify certain organizations that your loved one has passed in order to stop automated payments and to discontinue receiving benefits. For example, you should notify the Social Security Administration if your loved one was receiving social security benefits.
You can also close bank accounts and credit cards at this time; a death certificate may be required to close certain government and financial accounts and to discontinue receiving certain benefits.
Handling The Service Arrangements
One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with a loved one’s affairs is handling service arrangements; this is often the stage in which grief becomes strong. To make the process as simple as possible, we recommend having a funeral home handle the arrangements for you. Of course, you can still make the important decisions, such as where the funeral will take place, viewing arrangements, and more.
Notifying Your Loved Ones
Calling loved ones can be challenging as well. This is an area where you can delegate responsibility. For example, rather than notifying each of your loved one’s coworkers one at a time, you can simply notify their boss and have them relay the message on your behalf. Of course, you can notify those closest to your loved one, such as family members and close friends.
Finding The Time To Grieve For Yourself
Last but not least, it is important to find time for yourself to grieve as well if you are the one in charge of handling your loved one’s affairs. Delegating and accepting support wherever possible is highly recommended to allow yourself time to properly grieve for your loved one.
Harbor Light Hospice Offers Hospice Care Services
If you or your loved one has received a terminal diagnosis and you want to learn more about the benefits of hospice care from Harbor Light Hospice, call our team today. Harbor LIght Hospice strives to improve the quality of life for patients who are dealing with a life limiting illness.