9 Steps to Take When There's a Death in the Family

NEW YORK, February 16, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Losing someone is never easy, and the grieving process can be difficult and overwhelming. Not to mention all the practical things to take care of when you lose someone close, such as making the funeral arrangements, clearing out the deceased's home, and managing financial matters.  

Everyone's experience is different and there is no "right" way to grieve, but these nine steps may help during this time of mourning:

1. Reach out to your support system. It can be helpful to talk with close friends or family members about the situation and find solace in their understanding. After losing a loved one, it can be comforting to hear stories and memories of the person who has passed away.

2. Make a plan for sharing the news. Talk through who should be contacted, as well as when and how you want to deliver the news of your loss.

3. Give yourself space to grieve. The first few days can be some of the most difficult, with funeral arrangements to make and practical matters to take care of. Remember to allow yourself time and space to process the emotions that come up. Practice self-care and remember to take care of your physical health during this difficult time.

4. Consider memorial arrangements. You may want to talk with family members or close friends to determine what type of arrangements you would like to make. Depending on the wishes of the deceased—and plans, if they made any—decide what type of service should be held, who will officiate, and where it will take place.

5. Publish an obituary. Consider writing an obituary or sharing a reflective note to honor the life of the deceased. Thinking about the deceased's life can help you start to process your grief. 

6. Talk with children and grandchildren in your family. Depending on their age and understanding, you may need to provide additional support and explain what is happening in simple language they can understand.

7. Gather important documents. Ensure that you have access to all the necessary legal and financial documents related to the deceased, such as a driver's license, Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, will or trust, insurance policies and bank account information. Get copies of the death certificate if needed.

8. Notify any important institutions. When you are ready, contact banks, creditors, employers and other important institutions related to the deceased. This can mean contacting the deceased's life insurance provider and notifying them (this is true whether the deceased had a term life policy or a permanent policy like whole life insurance).

9. Understand that grief is a process. Give yourself time and permission to grieve and heal for as long as needed. Remember that grief looks different for everyone. As time goes by, you may decide that you need to talk to someone, such as a therapist, for additional support. No matter what, it's important to remember to be gentle with yourself as you go through this difficult time.