Archive for the ‘What To Do When Someone Dies’ Category

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Death Certificate FAQs

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

Death Certificate FAQsAlthough every state handles death certificates differently, there are some universal standards that should help you navigate the process of ordering death certificates, making corrections, and process other record-keeping needs.

For questions about your specific state, we encourage you to contact your state’s vital records office or the National Center for Health Statistics.

Death Certificates: Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need a death certificate for?

A death certificate is needed to settle most financial and legal affairs on behalf of the deceased. As the official legal record of death, the death certificate is needed for most insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and other agencies that must process paperwork related to the deceased’s affairs.

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How to Find a Bereavement Support Group

Monday, June 17th, 2013

How to Find a Bereavement Support GroupAfter the funeral planning is finished and the deceased’s remains have been taken care of, one of the top recommendations for the newly bereaved is to find a support group. Although everyone experiences grief differently, there is much to be said for talking through the pain and finding a group of like-minded individuals who can help you cope with your loss.

Why Bereavement Groups Matter

The loss of a loved one is something no one can prepare for. You never know how it will affect you until it happens, and the overwhelming surge of emotion that results is often more than the average person knows what to do with.

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Bereavement Airfare and Hotels

Friday, June 14th, 2013

Bereavement Airfare and HotelsWhen you’re called out of town for the unexpected death of a loved one, it’s often necessary to put your life on hold while you attend to all the details of attending a funeral. And this type of thing doesn’t always come cheap. From taking time off work to all the travel plans, funerals can put quite a strain on those who wish to pay their respects and bid the deceased a fond farewell.

Getting Flight Discounts for Funeral Purposes

Almost all funerals occur within one week following the death of a loved one. If you live in another state, this means you have just a few days in which to put your affairs in order and book your travel arrangements.

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Are Funeral Costs Tax Deductible?

Saturday, April 13th, 2013

Are Funeral Costs Tax Deductible?Most experts agree that funeral planning should be undertaken with the guidance of an attorney or financial advisor. Because of the high costs associated with funerals—not to mention the tricky tax laws when it comes to inheritance—it can be difficult to navigate the waters alone. This is true for the phase of funeral planning as well as when tax season rolls around.

Medical Expenses

Most medical expenses not covered by insurance can be claimed on a tax return (assuming you itemize your deduction), and keeping good track of all monies paid for the medical care of the deceased is a good idea if you want to claim some of the funds you paid out of pocket. Things like hospital stays, surgery, hospice care, medication, and other end-of-life concerns all apply under this setting.

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Funeral Planning and Decision Fatigue

Friday, February 15th, 2013

Funeral Planning and Decision FatigueIt’s no secret that planning a funeral is a mentally exhausting task. Most people charged with the task of burying a loved one are already reeling from an overflow of emotion, and when you add the need to make dozens of financial and burial decisions, the results can tear a person down.

According to recent studies about the process of making decisions, there might be some science behind the difficulties we face when planning a funeral (above and beyond mere loss). Decision fatigue, or the emotional toll that an abundance of decision making has on the human brain, can impact the way you think about your choices. And in many cases, the results will be vastly different than if you’d made that decision a few hours earlier (or later).

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Who is Responsible for Burial Costs When a Loved One Dies?

Friday, January 25th, 2013

Who is Responsible for Burial Costs When a Loved One Dies?If an individual passes away without any advance funeral planning in place, it can be difficult to know who is responsible for funeral costs. Few people can afford to foot the bill for a funeral all by themselves, and in a situation that’s already filled with tension, it can put a strain on the family to determine who should play the primary financial role.

To further complicate matters, every state has its own regulations regarding fiscal responsibility. While most states adhere to similar laws, you may have to talk with a local attorney to get specific information for your situation.

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Making Time for Yourself during Funeral Planning

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

Making Time for Yourself during Funeral PlanningFuneral planning typically lasts anywhere from three days to two weeks, depending on your religion, your advance planning efforts, and the time (and place) of death. Although funeral homes and medical services have streamlined the way they provide funeral planning options to the public, there is still quite a bit of decision-making and coordination that goes into it, and even the generous end of the timeline can seem like a blur when you’re facing your recent loss.

While everyone grieves differently, it is important to take some time during these funeral planning days to simply unwind—whether that means carving out some time alone or doing an activity you love.

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How to Say “No” During Funeral Planning

Thursday, November 8th, 2012

How to Say “No” During Funeral PlanningThere are many reasons why you might need to say “no” while planning a funeral. Maybe intrusive family members are making it difficult for you to plan the small, intimate memorial service the deceased asked for. Perhaps you’re feeling pressured to buy larger and more elaborate caskets from the funeral home. It’s possible that you might even need to go against the advice of others to forgo a military funeral or close the funeral to the public.

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What to Do When a Loved One Dies Overseas

Friday, August 31st, 2012

What to Do When a Loved One Dies OverseasAlthough it’s a rare occurrence and few people think it can happen to them, there are incidences in which a United States citizen dies while living or vacationing abroad. This can be a trying experience. In addition to dealing with the grief of loss, there is quite a bit of red tape to go through in order to transfer the body of the deceased and to get all the appropriate paperwork to settle the estate.

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After Funeral Planning: The First Year

Thursday, August 16th, 2012

After Funeral Planning: The First YearYou’ve said goodbye to your loved one the best way you know how, tied the loose ends up from the funeral planning, and are getting ready to face the most difficult task ahead of you: the first year. Although everyone grieves in a different way, and there is no way to prepare for the emotional hardships that lay ahead of you, most people agree that the first few months are always the hardest.

And while no one can tell you how best to handle your grief, you can at least rely on the support of financial advisors to help you get your personal affairs into order. (This is most important when you’ve recently lost a spouse or life partner, although dealing with a parent’s finances might also be a factor for adult children.)

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