The Complete Checklist for When Someone Passes Away
Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and during such a difficult time, it can be overwhelming to navigate the practical matters that need to be addressed. At Golden Haven Memorial Parks, we understand the importance of providing support and guidance to families in the Philippines during their bereavement process. To assist you in this journey, we have created a comprehensive checklist tailored to the Philippine context.
RELATED: The Process of Obtaining a PSA Death Certificate
1. Notify Authorities and Obtain a Death Certificate
Contact the local barangay or municipal office to report the death. They will guide you through the necessary procedures and issue a Death Certificate upon completion. Check out our previous blogs on how to secure a PSA death certificate. The Death Certificate is a crucial document for legal and administrative purposes.
2. Contact Close Family and Friends
Inform close family members and friends about the loss. They will appreciate being notified and may provide you with emotional support during this challenging time. Consequently, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to help you with communication and coordination if needed.
3. Engage Golden Haven Chapels and Crematorium
Contact Golden Haven Chapels and Crematorium to make funeral arrangements. Our compassionate staff will assist you in planning the funeral or memorial service, including the selection of a suitable burial plot or cremation service. Golden Haven Memorial Parks offers serene and well-maintained memorial parks across the Philippines, providing a peaceful final resting place for your loved one.
4. Organize Legal and Financial Matters
a. Will and Estate
If the deceased had a will, consult with a lawyer to understand its contents and the legal procedures for its execution. If no will exists, consult with a probate lawyer to understand the laws of intestacy and the process for distributing assets according to Philippine laws.
b. Notify Relevant Institutions
Notify the deceased’s bank, insurance companies, employer, and other relevant institutions about the death. Inquire about the necessary paperwork or procedures to settle accounts, claim benefits, or transfer assets. Additionally, cancel or transfer any ongoing subscriptions or services in the deceased’s name.
c. Settle Debts and Expenses
Assess the deceased’s outstanding debts and expenses, such as credit cards, mortgages, loans, and utility bills. Shortly, contact creditors to inform them of the death and discuss repayment options or potential forgiveness based on the circumstances. Arrange for payment of any outstanding bills.
5. Review Insurance Policies and Benefits
Review the deceased’s life insurance policies, health insurance coverage, retirement accounts, and other benefits they may have had. Contact the respective insurance companies and financial institutions to understand the claim process and initiate necessary filings. Golden Haven Memorial Parks can also assist you with any inquiries related to pre-need plans or memorial services.
6. Notify Government Agencies
Inform relevant government agencies, such as the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), about the death. This will ensure the appropriate changes are made to benefits, identification documents, and records.
7. Cancel or Transfer Utilities and Subscriptions
Firstly, contact utility companies, including electricity, water, and phone providers, to cancel or transfer services based on the circumstances. Secondly, notify any subscription services, memberships, or recurring deliveries that were in the deceased’s name.
8. Address Social Media and Online Presence
Consider how you would like to manage the deceased’s social media accounts and online presence. Some platforms provide options for memorializing accounts or transferring them to a designated person. Determine if you want to preserve, modify, or deactivate online accounts and notify the respective platforms accordingly.
9. Seek Support and Grief Counseling
Remember to prioritize your own well-being during this grieving process. Seek support from family, friends, or grief support groups. Golden Haven Memorial Parks provides grief counseling services to help you and your family navigate the emotional challenges that arise during this time.
At Golden Haven Memorial Parks, we are committed to providing compassionate support to families in the Philippines during their bereavement process. By following this checklist, you can ensure that important tasks are addressed promptly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on healing and remembering your loved one. Remember to seek support from others and take care of yourself during this difficult period.
Please note that this checklist is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or financial advice. Be that as it may, consult with qualified professionals to address your specific situation and ensure compliance with applicable Philippine laws and regulations.
READ MORE:Â Golden Haven Memorial Park News and Update
