What to Expect on Your First Visit

Caskets are not required for cremation unless desired by the family or there is to be a public viewing before the cremation. We do not require embalming unless there is to be a public viewing with an open casket, or in rare cases where the body is to be shipped long distances before cremation. We invite immediate family members to privately view the deceased prior to cremation at no charge.

Actions to take after a death occurs:

• Obtain certified copies of the death certificate for legal purposes. You may re-order certified copies by calling the funeral home.
• Notify your bank. Change all accounts into your name only or joint accounts with surviving children or relatives.
• Notify deceased's employer and insurance department. Check on group insurance benefits, survivor's benefits, profit sharing, and/or pension monies.
• Check on monies in credit unions. Some supply life insurance.
• Inquire about health insurance coverage for you and your children if carried by the deceased.
• Check on accident insurance. If death was accidental, you may be entitled to benefits on the unused premium.
• Check on automobile insurance.
• If the deceased was a member of a labor union, notify the union and inquire about any benefits survivors are entitled to.
• Check with fraternal organizations that the deceased was a member of — they may provide benefits.
• Apply at a local Social Security office for any benefits you and your minor children are entitled to. Social Security Benefits
• Collect any debts owed to the deceased by other persons.
• Review your present financial situation.
• If you have no income or monies, seek emergency aid from the Department of Social Services.
• Keep an up-to-date accounting of all cash income and expenses.
• Get hospital and medical statements as soon as possible.
• Pay all bills and taxes owed as soon as possible. First, check on credit life insurance that may have been carried on all debts. Close accounts covered by this insurance.
• For legal questions, contact your attorney to discuss probating of the will, inheritance, estate taxes, etc.
• Draw up or update your own will.
• Change beneficiary designations on your own insurance and accounts.
• Transfer real estate title of jointly-held property in the Register of Deeds office in the county where real estate is located.
• Change stocks and bonds into your name only or jointly with surviving children or relatives.
• Transfer automobile title into your name at the Secretary of State's office, or through Probate Court.

"A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come."

— Tagore

It is advisable to call parties concerned before visiting their offices to check on which documents they will need. If documents are given to them, get a receipt (insurance policies, etc.).

The list below indicates who may need a certified copy of the death certificate. We recommend ordering more copies than you think you need — you can always re-order through our funeral home.

• Each life insurance claim being processed
• Real estate transactions
• Vehicle title transfers
• Boat title transfers
• Each stock/bond or portfolio
• Oil leases
• Bank accounts (savings, checking, CDs, IRAs)
• Probating a will
• Purchases with credit life insurance attached
• Some credit card companies
• Prearranged funeral or cemetery insurance/trust
• Government or employer claims/pensions

This FREE checklist contains 125 actions that must be taken immediately following a death. Fill out the form below to download the checklist and receive assistance from one of our trusted funeral directors.