The Next Steps After The Funeral

Send notes to acknowledge expressions of sympathy
Send honorariums to clergy/singers
Order a cemetery memorial marker

Financial

Obtain certified copies of the death certificates
Make copies of dated obituary notice (Required by some companies to prove death)
Check contents of safety deposit box
Notify the bank or financial institution
Contact creditors
Cancel Subscriptions
Review transfer of car title(s) and tags into your name
Change the name on the utility bills
Notify Postal Service, forward mail when needed
Locate marriage certificate (May be needed through the process)
Locate birth certificate (May be needed through the process)

Social Security

Contact Social Security to file for survivor benefits
Make sure Social Security benefits for the deceased have stopped

Veteran Benefits

All veterans honorably discharged receive a marker (Your funeral director will assist with this)
Contact The Veterans Administration for any spousal benefits
Local Benefits (Your funeral director will assist with this)

Insurance

File for life insurance benefits, Including credit life (credit cards, car notes, mortgage, loans)
Review and update life insurance beneficiaries (making sure the deceased is no longer a beneficiary)
File for fraternal, union, and association benefits
File for employer/retirement benefits (e.g., IRA, 401ks, pension, etc.)
Review automobile insurance policy (Making sure the decease is no longer on them)
Secure health insurance for surviving spouse or underage child/children
Contact healthcare providers to update records

Estate

Contact attorney to discuss possible estate filing
Review your will or living trust
Review/complete health care advance directives (e.g., living will, durable power of attorney, etc.)
Compile a list of next of kin, heirs, and beneficiaries

Your Final Wishes

Pre-arrange your funeral to ease the process for your loved ones
Complete an estate planning portfolio (given to you by your funeral director, helps compile your wishes)