Losing a loved one is overwhelming for family and friends. There is no doubt about that. However, this goes without saying that you have no other choice but to prepare for a funeral, a memorial service, or preferably both. 

Although we can’t help you emotionally in your tough times, this funeral planning guide can help start the next step without adding any more burden to already saddened family members. Here’s what you must do right away.

You’ll need an official death certificate. You must get 10 to 15 copies to handle other legal matters later. Ideally, there are different ways to obtain the certificate, depending on where the death occurred. For instance, if you were in a hospital, the doctor or nurse would take care of the whole process for you. However, if you were at home, calling 911 will help with the next steps. 

Meanwhile, start informing your family and friends about death. Approach them as suitable for you. Then, while collecting the death certificate, confirm whether your loved one was a donor. You can do that by checking their driver’s license or go through their living will (if any). Let the hospital know. They will guide you where to go for the next step. 

Contact The Appropriate Person For The Final Rites

The next few steps will vary depending on the wishes shared for the final disposition. If your loved one already did their funeral pre-planning or already had pre-paid funeral arrangements in place, things will get a bit easier for you. 

However, if you are unsure, look for cremation service centers.

Contact an Attorney

There are chances that your loved one might already have created a will to outline their specific wishes for their funeral arrangements. So, talking to an attorney will help you ensure that all his/her wishes are honored. 

Collect Information For Obituary 

After the death of your loved one, you might want to write a meaningful obituary for them to publish at different platforms. But besides the message, you will require the following details for an obituary:

  1. Name
  2. Armed services number
  3. Date and birthplace
  4. Occupation and employer
  5. Mother’s maiden name and birthplace
  6. Father’s name and birthplace
  7. Survivors and relationship to deceased

You can provide the same information to be printed in local newspapers as well. 

Wrapping Up

Losing your loved one can be daunting enough mentally and physically. You have to take care of all the necessary arrangements so that the soul rests in peace. Isn’t it? Besides the points mentioned, you have to gather other essential documents as well. 

For instance, you must get hold of a will (if it exists), military discharge papers, property deeds, disability claims (if any), debt records, mortgage, business agreements. 

It will help you move forward in the right direction and free you from all future hassles. If your loved one had an active life insurance account, you need to contact the company to fill out the claim form. Besides all these necessary measures, make sure you save important bills and forward mail to an active mailing address. 

The idea is to give you the time for grieving rather than running after prerequisites. After all, you lost someone you cherished. You deserve some time to gather your thoughts.