#Grief #Loss #Checklist #WhatToDo #UnexpectedDeath
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Dealing with the unexpected death of a loved one can be overwhelming and confusing. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during this difficult time. 😢 But having a checklist can help you navigate through the practicalities that need to be addressed. Here is a detailed guide on everything you need to do after the unexpected passing of your dad.
Immediate Steps
1. Contact emergency services if necessary.
2. Notify close family and friends.
3. Inform the doctor or coroner for necessary documentation.
Funeral Arrangements
1. Decide on burial or cremation.
2. Contact a funeral home to make arrangements.
3. Plan the funeral service or memorial.
Legal and Financial Matters
1. Obtain the death certificate.
2. Notify banks, insurance companies, and creditors.
3. Update legal documents like the will and estate.
Emotional Support
1. Seek counseling or grief support groups.
2. Lean on family and friends for support.
3. Take care of yourself during this challenging time.
Practical Considerations
1. Cancel subscriptions and services.
2. Collect important documents and information.
3. Organize belongings and personal items.
Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time and ask for help when needed. Take care of yourself and allow yourself to grieve. You are not alone in this journey. 💔
I hope this checklist helps you navigate through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you during this challenging period. 🕊️
Also adding this as a comment so the main point of the thread doesn’t get overlooked – my mom was told that she should wait to notify the bank with her and my dad’s joint account because otherwise they might freeze the assets until she goes through the process of proving that she should still be associated with the account – is this true? It sounds crazy but just checking
Get several copies of his death certificate. These will be need for bank accounts, etc.
[https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/when-loved-one-dies-checklist.html](https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/when-loved-one-dies-checklist.html)
[https://www.consumerreports.org/health/family/what-to-do-when-a-loved-one-dies-a3615919379/](https://www.consumerreports.org/health/family/what-to-do-when-a-loved-one-dies-a3615919379/)
Here are two lists from trusted sources. All three mostly match. Thankfully there is time to step through this.
One thing we learned when my dad passed last year is leave his name on one deposit account for say a year. What I am saying is there are probably several joint accounts with his name on them and your mom, family will be going to the bank taking his name off those accounts. Leave his name on one of the deposit accounts.
The reason is, if a check, say a refund, comes in the next year and it only has his name on it then it can still be deposited. If there is no account with his name on it the bank may refuse to deposit the check.
This was helpful when my dad died.
https://legalvoice.org/after-death-occurs-checklist/
Just a reminder, any debts your dad owed will be paid out of his estate after probate. You do not need to talk to debt collectors. I highly recommend consulting with an attorney to guide you through the process. Condolences to your family.
The website for the court system in your county probably has a brochure or similar with county/state specific information on the probate process.
You are in legal territory and should not be getting legal advice here. Do not handle any money unless you are the court-appointed probate executor or it’s already in your name. The process if he had a will or trust is very different than if he didn’t. You need to be advised of state-specific laws. Your mom should be talking to an attorney, pronto.
Guessing that if your dad didn’t have a will then your mom doesn’t either. Some of this is easier because their marriage status makes her able to assume the role as executor or take over most accounts. When she does this is more convoluted if there are multiple kids. ASAP please have her make up a will. It makes the paperwork side of death so much easier.
One thing I learned from my dad’s passing is make a BUNCH of copies of his death certificate. Canceling accounts or eliminating any debt can be taken care of by sending the death certificate in (not in all but some cases).
Get multiple copies of the death certificate you will need them
Heavily push your mom not to make any large decisions over the next year or two. Mourning makes people do things they may regret. My mother made several large purchases that she regrets. Don’t move if you don’t have to, don’t change things for a bit. Focus on family and healing push everything else aside. And you will never have enough copies of the death certificate.
Also check if he had GAP on any loans. Definitely helps.