Death is hard to handle, even under the best of circumstances. It doesn’t matter how old the person was, or whether their passing was anticipated; a person’s passing leaves a void in friends’ and family members’ lives. When someone dies unexpectedly, family members should know which steps to take. Below are several tips to help families deal with a loved one’s sudden passing.
Declaring Death
If the passing was expected, call hospice; if not, call 911. Deaths must be confirmed by the authorities, and in most cases, the deceased person will be transported to a hospital for a formal declaration of death.
Transporting the Body
Following the formal pronouncement, the decedent’s body is transported to the coroner’s office or funeral home. The entity making the legal declaration can help the family find out who will transport the body. From there, the coroner will provide a death certificate, which is typically given to the funeral home.
Life Insurance
If a person had life insurance, the policy provider must be informed immediately. The proceeds of a policy are granted to the named beneficiary after the death certificate and related documents are issued. Life insurance policies don’t always pay immediately, which can cause problems for some families if they can’t afford to pay for a funeral.
Make Funeral Arrangements
It’s up to the person’s family and beneficiaries to make Funeral Arrangements in Orange City FL. These can include embalming, cremation, or a memorial service and burial. If desired, the family can write an obituary to distribute to local newspapers for publication.
Inform Others
Relevant financial institutions should be informed, and the utility companies, post office, doctors, and lenders. Steps should be taken to prevent finance fraud, such as a 1041 filing.
Death can come suddenly, which makes it important for everyone, regardless of age, to ensure that their affairs are in order. While life insurance can help, the best thing is to be prepared for eventualities. Visit the website to learn more, or call to make Funeral Arrangements in Orange City FL. With the help of a local funeral services provider, families can make the trying times easier.
