Things That Must Be Done
There are many things that must be done at the time of death. Most of them are listed below. Many of these decisions may be made now and fully paid for before the time of need—these items are indicated in the bold print below. This Simplicity Planner will help you in putting together much of this information and in completing forms to assist those you leave behind.
Remember—all the items in bold print can be done NOW, WELL AHEAD OF TIME.
Vital Statistics
Name, address, and telephone number
How long you have lived at current address
Occupation and employer
Workplace address and telephone number
Social Security number
Armed services number
Date of birth and place
Father's name and birthplace
Mother's maiden name and birthplace
Important Required Documents
Will
Birth certificate
Social Security card
Marriage license
Citizenship papers, if appropriate
Insurance policies (life, health, property)
Bank account passbooks
Property deeds
Automobile bill of sale and/or title
Income tax returns (prior three years)
Military discharge papers
Disability claims, if any
Burial property certificate of ownership
Prearranged funeral agreements
Bills to Be Paid
Family burial space
Memorials
Funeral services
Interment services
Clergy
Florist
Refreshments
Clothing
Doctors
Nurses
Hospital and ambulance
Medicine and drugs
Others (mortgage, rent, taxes)
Installment payments
Things Required Immediately Upon Death
Burial site location and space to use
Memorial type and inscription
Type of casket
Clothing for the deceased
Vault or crypt
Type of religious, fraternal, or military service
Scripture to be read
Clergy selection
Location of service
Charitable organization to receive donations
Type of flowers and music
Funeral limousine list
Vital statistics for newspaper obituary
Special religious services
Special wishes included in will
Names of pallbearers
Name of funeral director in charge of service
Eulogy
Clothing for surviving spouse and children
Preparation at home to greet family and friends
Sign necessary papers for burial permit
Answer phone calls, wires, and letters of condolence
Meet with funeral director and clergy
Greet friends and family at service
Arrangements to meet out-of-town attendees
Provide lodging for out-of-town attendees
Maintain list of callers, flower tributes, and donations
Order death certificate(s)
Care of infants and minor children
Notification
Doctor
Funeral director
Cemetery
Family members
Close friends
Employer of deceased
Pallbearers
All insurance agents
Religious, fraternal, civic organizations
Local newspapers
Attorney, accountant, executor of estate
Social Security office