Things to Consider
When a loved one dies, it can be a very disturbing time for the
survivors. They are faced with a myriad of tasks after the funeral
service. We at The Bradley Funeral Home are trained to provide
thoughtful assistance during these challenging times. In an effort to
be of greater help, we have developed the following checklist of
important things you may wish to consider in preparing for the tasks
that lie ahead.
Financial Benefits
Here are some of the possible sources of financial assistance you will
want to look into:
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Pre-funded trusts or funeral plans
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Insurance policies: life, health, accident
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Social Security
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Veterans Administration
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Employer or union pension funds
Estate Settlement
Here are some of the items that may affect probate procedures in
settling the estate of the deceased:
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Will, letter of instruction, or estate record
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Real estate holdings
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Checking and savings accounts
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Securities
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Safe deposit boxes
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Business assets and other holdings
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Federal estate tax, inheritance tax, and personal income tax
Etiquette of Acknowledgements
The following suggestions are provided to help you in acknowledging
those who participated in the funeral and expressed their sympathy.
Within two weeks of the funeral...
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Send a personal note thanking the clergy for spiritual help.
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Send a note of thanks to pallbearers and friends who volunteered
services, sent flowers, made offerings, contributed memorials, gave
money, provided food or in some way helped you at this time.
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Reply to letters and e-mails with a brief note. Sympathy cards do
not require a reply.
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Use your best judgment for situations not listed above. In general,
an acknowledgement card with a few personal words added is
sufficient to express your gratitude.
After the Funeral
The process of grieving and adjusting to life without the deceased
does not end when the ceremonies are concluded. The days and weeks
ahead will bring new challenges and adjustments. Here are some of the
things you will want to consider as you move on with your life:
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Inquire about available bereavement services and support groups.
Your funeral director can assist you with this.
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Make necessary changes to bank, charge, investment, and mortgage
accounts.
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Update insurance policies.
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Update personal property and motor vehicle records.
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Update your will.
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Consider pre-arranging and pre-funding your funeral.
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Be alert to people who may try to defraud you during your recovery
period.
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Postpone making important decisions for at least a year, if
possible.
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Understand that life is a series of changes, and you are going
through one of the most difficult. Give yourself the time and
opportunity to express your grief and move toward recovery.
