The first day of dealing with a loved one dying may be the most challenging time of your life.
The grief and sadness hit hard.
Despite your feelings, there are obvious things that need to be done right away. You may need to call 911. Then, the mortuary needs to be called. The family needs to be notified.
Even though they’re difficult, you do them because they are important and necessary.
However, it’s also essential for someone to remain clear-headed enough to take care of a few things you might not think of. Some of these I learned the hard way after helping a few friends and family members through hospice.
For example, my mother-in-law Elaine’s identity was hacked three days after she passed because of her home nurse.
The first thing to do is find their book of passwords, if they have one, and hide or remove it from the house.
This one thing alone can prevent a lot of havoc. Elaine’s password book disappeared the day she died. The hospice nurse took it and then passed it on to others, who proceeded to get into her Apple ID account to order iPads.
The thieves also tried to open several credit cards since they now had access to her information.
You may be wondering how they bypassed the two-factor authentication. Well, the password book included the login for Elaine’s cell phone carrier, which enabled them to transfer her phone number to one of their phones.
My wife and I figured out something was happening when Elaine’s phone showed no service.
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience, and there are several important non-obvious steps you should take quickly to navigate this difficult time:
1. Notify Important Parties Promptly:
Besides family and close friends, notify employers, schools, financial institutions, and relevant service providers (e.g., insurance companies, utility companies) of the passing. This ensures a smooth transition and prevents complications later.
2. Secure and Organize Important Documents:
Gather and organize essential documents such as the will, life insurance policies, bank statements, property deeds, and other legal and financial documents. These will be necessary for probate, transferring assets, and managing the deceased person's affairs.
3. Reach Out to an Estate Attorney:
Consult with an estate attorney to understand the legal aspects of handling the deceased person's estate. They can guide you through the probate process, assist with distributing assets, and address any legal obligations or concerns.
4. Check for Beneficiaries and Insurance Policies:
Investigate if the deceased had life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or investments with designated beneficiaries. Contact these institutions to initiate the claims process and ensure beneficiaries receive the funds they are entitled to.
5. Address Digital Presence and Online Accounts:
In the modern age, it's crucial to manage a person's digital footprint. Secure online accounts, social media profiles, and email accounts, and consider whether you need to close, memorialize, or transfer these accounts to a family member. Some platforms have specific processes for handling accounts after a person passes away.
Remember, during this challenging time, it's important to lean on a support system of friends, family, or a counselor to help you navigate these practical and emotional aspects effectively.
