Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions during this difficult time. We want to make sure you have all of the information you need to make informed decisions. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us, and we will help you in any that we can.
The following information is provided to give you an idea of the steps you should take in the event of a loss.
What is the first thing to do when a death occurs in the family?
Who will help with decisions on the type of services we decide to use?
How and who do I notify of the death?
What important or specific information will be needed of our departed loved one?
What information will be needed for an obituary?
What decisions need to be made for the visitation and funeral service?
What should be done after the funeral is over with?
What is the first thing to do when a death occurs in the family?
Contact us when you have said your last farewells and tell the funeral director what time they should arrive to gather your loved one. You should then contact your clergy for spiritual support, to arrange the details of the time and place of the receiving, and the funeral or memorial service.
Who will help with decisions on the type of services we decide to use?
Your funeral director will work out the details with the cemetery you choose or the crematory.
How and who do I notify of the death?
Make a list of family members, friends, employers, and others you feel need to be notified. Ask others in your family to help contact those on the list. Also ask family members to help answer phone calls and greet visitors who may come to the residence to pay their respects. You may want to record each encounter in a guest book.
What important or specific information will be needed of our departed loved one?
You should know the birth date, birthplace, names of father and mother, Social Security number, Veteran's discharge or claim number, marital status, and education history. Any or all of the information may be needed to comply with state laws regarding death certificates. The funeral home can help you determine how many copies of the death certificate you will need and can order them for you.
What information will be needed for an obituary?
The essential information for the obituary would include age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, civic or church involvement, education background, a list of surviving family members, the time and place of visitation, services, and burial as appropriate.
What decisions need to be made for the visitation and funeral service?
Decide who will write the obituary, eulogy, and who the pallbearers will be. You should also arrange care for the household including meals, child care, and cleaning.
What should be done after the funeral is over with?
One of the first things to do is obtain the will and contact the executor and the deceased's attorney. You should then notify appropriate insurance agencies. Determine all death benefits including Social Security, fraternal and union plans, and military programs. Check whether any offer financial help for survivors. If Social security checks were automatically deposited, contact the bank. Your funeral director will prepare Social Security form SSA-721, notifying Social Security of the death. If there is a surviving spouse or dependent children, please call 1-800-772-1213 for the one time death benefit of $255 and for any further eligible monthly benefits.
You should then determine outstanding debts, installment payments, credit card balances, etc. Some creditors may have provided insurance riders to absolve the debt. Contact creditors if there is any anticipated delay in payment. Most creditors will work with you during this difficult time.
You should also contact the utility departments (electricity, phone, gas, water, cable, etc...) to discontinue service if the deceased was living alone.
At some point, you will need to decide to whom you will send acknowledgement and thank you notes. And most importantly, allow yourself time to grieve.
