When a Death Occurs
Immediately following the death of a loved one, there are many decisions that must be made. At this time, you may find your emotions are heightened, and for that reason, it can be helpful to ask for support in making decisions and arrangements. Our funeral home staff is here to assist you and your family through each step of the process. This information can help guide you through what to do next.
Contact The Proper Authorities
Before any arrangements and decisions can be made, a legal pronouncement of death must be declared. If your loved one dies inside of a medical or nursing facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, the staff will handle getting this declaration made. If your loved one dies at home, you will need to immediately contact local emergency officials. Family members who die under hospice care can be declared dead by the hospice staff. This legal declaration must be made before the family can proceed with making any funeral arrangements or handling any legal affairs.
Begin To Make Arrangements
Once your loved one has been declared dead, you and your family can proceed with making funeral arrangements. Your loved one may have pre-planned services, and you and your family should first review those choices. If your loved one has not made any previous arrangements and you have decided on which funeral home you would like to use, you will contact the funeral home, meet with the funeral director and begin discussing options.
Information Funeral Directors May Need
Once you have met with the funeral director, they will advise you on any information or paperwork needed for the death certificate and to proceed with making final arrangements.
Information Required
- Full name and address
- Marital status
- Race or ethnicity
- Date and place of birth
- Highest level of education
- Father’s name, mother’s maiden name
- Name of spouse
- Occupation and employer
Documents Funeral Directors May Need
Funeral directors may need important documents to complete legal paperwork. These documents include:
- Account statement
- Beneficiary designations
- Life insurance policies
- Military discharge papers (Form DD 214)
- Social Security number
Taking Care Of Personal Property
Following the death of your loved one, there are a few things you will need to attend to involving their personal life. First, secure your loved one’s property. Make sure their home and vehicle are properly secured. If your loved one has a pet, make the necessary arrangements for the pet to be cared for by family or friends. Any mail that comes to your loved one should be forwarded to a family member who plans to handle the estate. Mail that piles up at a vacant home can signal to potential intruders that the home is empty. Be sure to contact your loved one’s employer and inform them of the death. If your loved one had any upcoming appointments, contact the provider to notify them and cancel the appointment.
If you need immediate guidance in Haltom City, Texas, or the surrounding Fort Worth area, our staff is here to help.