The death of a parent can be a devastating event in your life, and, through your grief, it can be difficult to perform all of the tasks that you need to. If you are struggling to know where to start or what to do after the death of a parent, read on for some steps that could help you manage this difficult period of your life.
Think About Suing
Although you might not want to think about legal battles when your parent has just passed away, if you believe that your parent was abused before they died, this can help to provide you with closure and ensure that they get the justice that they deserve. This is especially the case if they were in a care home before they died, and if you were unhappy with the care they received. Abuse can come in many forms, including emotional, physical, and financial.
Before doing anything else, you should contact an attorney who specializes in elder abuse. They will help you to consider suing for elder financial abuse after death, and will be able to take you through what this involves, as well as estimate your chances of winning the case in their memory.
Register the Death
You will also need to register the death of your relative and get the death certificate, although this service might be performed by the funeral director that you choose. And you will also need to contact a lot of organizations about their passing, including Social Security and their health insurance company.
You will also have to tell their bank about their death and ensure that you file their last tax return when it is due. By doing this, you will be ensuring that you do not keep receiving uncomfortable mail from them and that you are able to get their financial affairs in order.
Plan the Funeral
It is also necessary to plan their funeral in the weeks after the death. However, when you are trying to organize this, you should try to keep their wishes in mind and find any plan or fund that they had for their funeral. This can help you to create a personalized service that keeps the memory of them alive and that can help those still living to process the death.
A funeral director can help you through the planning process, although you might also choose to use online services to do this yourself. You should always check your budget for the funeral beforehand, though—even if you are going to be using the deceased person’s funds to pay for it.
Read the Will
It is also important to find your loved one’s will and to start the probate process, especially if you are the executor of the will. You might also visit an attorney so that you know that the will is legally binding and so that you can avoid legal disputes in the future. This will allow you to find out whether you are in the will and what you have inherited. While you are doing this, you should also read up about inheritance tax so that you know how much of your estate will go to the government.
What Do I Do After My Parent Dies?
After the passing of a parent, it can be a challenging and emotional time. Here are some steps to consider:
- Notify Authorities: If your parent passed away at home, you should contact the local authorities or 911 to report the death. They will guide you on the next steps.
- Medical Certificate: A doctor or medical professional will issue a death certificate. You’ll need several copies of this document for various purposes.
- Legal Matters:
- Will and Estate: If your parent had a will, consult an attorney to handle the legal aspects of the estate. This includes distributing assets, paying debts, and addressing any inheritance matters.
- Executor: If you are named as the executor in the will, you’ll have specific responsibilities for managing the estate.
- Financial Affairs:
- Bills and Accounts: Notify banks, creditors, and relevant institutions about the death. Close or transfer bank accounts and credit cards if necessary.
- Social Security and Pensions: If your parent received Social Security or pensions, inform the respective agencies about the death and understand any survivor benefits.
- Property and Possessions: Determine what to do with your parent’s belongings. You may need to clear the home, keep personal items, or prepare the property for sale or rental.
- Legal Documents: Ensure that you have access to important legal documents, such as the will, deeds, insurance policies, and financial records.
- Legal Consultation: If you encounter challenges with the will, estate, or any legal matters, consult an attorney for guidance.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals during this difficult time. Take things one step at a time and prioritize self-care as you navigate the aftermath of your parent’s passing.
