Dealing With the Death of a Family Member - Common Steps That Must Be Taken
July 20, 2012 By Pyke & Associates, P.C.
As much as we all wish that we would never be faced with the death of a close family member, it may happen at some point in time. In the midst of your emotional grief, you may be the person who also has to deal with the practical aspects of the death as well. Someone has to step forward and take control. If that person is you, then knowing some of the common things that may need to be done may help you get through the process.
Check for Life Insurance Benefits: Life insurance benefits can generally be paid out immediately to the beneficiary. These funds may be critical to support the family or pay for the funeral because other estate assets may be tied up in the probate process.
Look for A Last Will and Testament: Most people leave an original copy of a Last Will and Testament in their personal papers or give a copy to a family member or attorney. You must locate an original signed document.
Obtain a Copy of the Death Certificate: People often overlook this important step. The death certificate will be needed for many other steps. Check with your local or state office of vital records to find out how to obtain a certified copy.
Make Funeral Arrangements: If you already know what your family member wanted, or even better that a pre-paid plan was created, then you are one step ahead. If not, you will have to check around to see if a plan was paid for ahead of time. If not, you will have to start from scratch.
Contact the Social Security Administration: Once the death has been reported to the SSA, death and/or survivor benefits may be available to the family. You should also contact the Veteran’s Administration, unions, or another organization that could provide survivor or death benefits.
Contact an Attorney and File for Probate: Start by getting in touch with your family member’s attorney if you know who that was. He or she may have estate planning documents that are critical to probating the estate. You, or another family member, will need to begin the probate process. You may want to hire an estate planning attorney to help with this.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Charles Pyke
Experienced estate planning attorneys Atlanta GA of the Pyke & Associates P.C. offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Atlanta GA.
Copyright Pyke & Associates, P.C.
More information about Pyke & Associates, P.C.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Look for A Last Will and Testament: Most people leave an original copy of a Last Will and Testament in their personal papers or give a copy to a family member or attorney. You must locate an original signed document.
Obtain a Copy of the Death Certificate: People often overlook this important step. The death certificate will be needed for many other steps. Check with your local or state office of vital records to find out how to obtain a certified copy.
Make Funeral Arrangements: If you already know what your family member wanted, or even better that a pre-paid plan was created, then you are one step ahead. If not, you will have to check around to see if a plan was paid for ahead of time. If not, you will have to start from scratch.
Contact the Social Security Administration: Once the death has been reported to the SSA, death and/or survivor benefits may be available to the family. You should also contact the Veteran’s Administration, unions, or another organization that could provide survivor or death benefits.
Contact an Attorney and File for Probate: Start by getting in touch with your family member’s attorney if you know who that was. He or she may have estate planning documents that are critical to probating the estate. You, or another family member, will need to begin the probate process. You may want to hire an estate planning attorney to help with this.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Charles Pyke
Experienced estate planning attorneys Atlanta GA of the Pyke & Associates P.C. offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Atlanta GA.
Copyright Pyke & Associates, P.C.
More information about Pyke & Associates, P.C.
View all articles published by Pyke & Associates, P.C.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
