The loss of a parent can be a profoundly emotional and challenging experience. During this time of grief, it can be overwhelming to manage the practical steps required to settle their affairs. This “what to do when a parent dies checklist” is designed to guide you through the essential steps to take after losing a parent, providing clarity and organization when you need it most.
Table of Contents
What to Do When a Parent Dies Checklist
- Notify family and close friends
- Secure their home and belongings
- Look for plans for final arrangements
- Contact a funeral home or cremation provider
- Provide information to obtain a death certificate
- Arrange the funeral or memorial service
- Locate important documents
- Notify financial institutions and government agencies
- Settle debts and bills
- Meet with an attorney or financial advisor
- Prioritize emotional well-being
What to Do When Your Mom or Dad Dies
You may experience brain fog following a parent’s death, while others may be able to immediately focus on what needs to be done. Regardless of how you react to this significant life event, here’s a quick checklist of what to do after a close family member or parent dies.
Step 1: Notify family and close friends
After the initial shock, one of the first steps is to notify close family and friends about your parent’s passing. Carefully consider how you tell others – as most would rather not learn about a deceased relative through a social media post or text. Don’t forget to tell your loved one’s employer. Don’t wait to share this news, as most would want to be informed immediately.
Step 2: Secure their home and belongings
Unfortunately, criminals sometimes target families when they are most vulnerable. If your parent lived alone, ensure the deceased’s home, vehicle, and other personal property are secured. Lock doors, windows, and gates to protect their belongings. If they had pets, arrange for temporary or permanent care.
Step 3: Look for plans for final arrangements
Older people often leave behind funeral plans. This is a loving gesture, as you may not be able to function well enough to research funeral prices amidst your grief. Search your loved one’s personal files. You may find information about end-of-life plans in your loved one’s will. Finally, consider contacting funeral homes in the area to determine if your loved one made pre-arrangements.
Step 4: Contact a funeral home or cremation provider
If your loved one didn’t leave behind an end-of-life plan, you’ll need to contact a funeral home or cremation provider in your area. Your first decision will need to be the method of disposition – burial or cremation. Then, you need to determine if you want the body present for a visitation, wake, or funeral service.
It’s important to note that direct cremation is the most cost-effective method. In direct cremation, the body is transported from the place of death to the cremation center. The cremated remains are later returned to the family.
Step 5: Provide necessary information to the funeral director in order to obtain an official death certificate
Funeral directors report deaths to the three major credit bureaus and the Social Security Administration. However, if you want your credit accounts notified faster, contact them directly.
The funeral director will also help you complete the required death certificate paperwork. You may need to provide the following information about the deceased:
- Full legal name
- Sex
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Father’s legal name
- Mother’s maiden name
- Occupation
You’ll need certified copies of the death certificate to handle legal and financial accounts. You’ll need this official documentation to access your loved one’s bank and brokerage accounts. Of course, life insurance companies also require an official death certificate for death benefits.
Some organizations may require official death certificates – not copies, so order several to ensure you have enough for your loved one’s personal and legal details.
Step 6: Arrange the funeral or memorial service
Work with family members to plan a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life that honors your parent’s wishes.
Step 7: Locate important documents
When searching for funeral plans, you may have already found documents relating to the deceased’s legal affairs. Gather all relevant legal, financial, and personal documents, such as the following:
- Will or trust documents
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Insurance policies
- Titles to property and vehicles
- Bank account information
- Tax returns
These documents will be essential for settling your parent’s estate.
Step 8. Notify financial institutions and government agencies
As we mentioned in step 5, the funeral home director will notify credit agencies and the Social Security Administration. However, you may want to confirm that your loved one’s bank accounts are secure by informing your parent’s bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions about an account holder’s death. Also, notify the Department of Motor Vehicles to cancel their driver’s license.
Step 9: Settle debts and bills
Compile a list of your parent’s debts, including mortgages, loans, and credit card balances. If you’re listed on your loved one’s bank account, you may be able to pay bills directly from this joint account. Contact creditors to inform them of the death and understand how the debts will be handled. Additionally, cancel ongoing services like utilities, subscriptions, or memberships that are no longer needed.
Step 10: Meet with an Attorney or Financial Advisor
Consult an attorney or financial advisor to understand how to settle your parent’s estate. If there is a will or trust, the executor or trustee will handle distributing assets according to their wishes. If no will exists, the estate will be settled according to the probate process.
Final Thoughts
While handling these responsibilities, it’s essential to prioritize your emotional well-being. Allow yourself time to grieve, and consider joining a support group or speaking with a counselor to help process your loss. Lean on family and friends for support and share memories of your parent as part of the healing process.
The passing of a parent often prompts reflection on your own plans. Use this time to ensure your estate planning is in order, including creating a will, designating beneficiaries, and organizing important documents for your loved ones.
If you need immediate assistance following a parent’s death or help with pre-planning cremation services, contact the Philadelphia Cremation Society. Our low-cost direct cremation services will help you save money while ensuring compassionate care.
