Planning ahead for death is not nearly as complicated or time-consuming as people think. Sure, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to planning for an impending death in the family or even your own. We know for sure that if you wait until after the death has occurred, you will generally pay too much at a funeral home. That’s why the San Diego Memorial Society encourages people to join the Society, fill out the Final Planning Booklet, and pick one of our ten mortuaries. Call us today to get yourself or a loved one signed up: 858-391-1267.
Then, the most important part is to talk with your family about those plans. Let them know where you keep your important documents and give them the information about the mortuary so they know who to call. It’s really not that difficult.
We have put together an excellent checklist that you can use to get your ducks in order:
For the printable version click here
After‐Death Checklist for Survivors
Decide who will do what tasks
Contact those who will take on responsibilities
Have someone write down every decision made and every action taken
Deceased’s basic personal information
Full legal name
Legal residence
Length of time at current address
Date of birth
Place of birth
Citizenship
Health insurance information
Social Security Number
Occupation
Employment or business history
Marital history
Spouse’s full name
Father’s name
Father’s birthplace
Mother’s name
Mother’s birthplace
Next of kin, addresses, and relationship
Executor’s name and contact information
Attorney’s name and contact information
Doctor’s name and contact information
Deceased’s obituary information *
High school attended
University attended
Military record
Family history
Work or professional history
Religious activities and affiliations
Civic activities
Special awards and accomplishments
Hobbies, activities and interests
Charities and other special requests
Contacts before disposition
Relatives and friends
Religious groups
Organizations of which deceased wasa me mber:
o Professional groups
o Unions
o Civic groups
o Political groups
Professionals that were close to deceased
Places of prior employment
Disposition choices
If deceased was a veteran, determine eligibility for Veterans burial benefits
Determine if deceased had a prepaid funeral contract
Who will make disposition arrangements?
Choose burial or cremation or body donation
Choose type of service (funeral with or without a visitation), memorial service, graveside service)
Decide on funeral home or those who will act as funeral director
Set time and date of service
Choose location of service
Discuss need for preparation/refrigeration/embalming
Decide on viewing (none, family only, public)
Decide on visitation with family
Discuss casket or cremation container
Discuss grave liner/burial vault or cremation urn, if desired
Choose a cemetery or place of burial, if needed
Arrange for burial plot or columbarium niche (unless ashes are to be scattered)
Purchase grave marker (this can wait until later)
Discuss other funeral needs, such as:
Guest register
Funeral or memorial service programs
Acknowledgement cards
Floral arrangement (if desired for casket)
Determine whether any personal items are to be buried or cremated with deceased
Supply clothing for deceased
Select photographs and memorabilia to be displayed
Make musical selections for any services
Determine content of any services (readings, scripture, comments, etc.)
Prepare and submit obituary to newspaper(s)and/or to AMBIS for website if deceased was an AMBIS member
Determine whether donations are to be suggested
Locate religious or associational items to be used in services, if any
Make arrangements for reception, if any
Determine need for:
Hearse
Clergy car
Family limousine
Pallbearer limousine
Flower car
Documents that may be needed
Title to burial plot
Prepaid funeral contract, if any
Will
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Insurance policies
Bank records
Deeds to property
Vehicle ownership records
Military discharge papers
Citizenship papers
Tax returns
Contacts after disposition
Doctors (primary care and specialists)
Dentist
Employer
Accountant
Lawyer
Banks and credit unions
Insurance agent
Financial/investor advisors and agents
Creditors
Those who owed money to the deceased
Pension plan administrator
Social Security Office
San Diego Memorial Society if deceased was a member (858-391-1267)
Department of Veterans Affairs, if deceased was a
We hope this helps you plan ahead.
Call if you have any questions about the Memorial Society.858-391-1267
We are committed to helping every person who calls in with a question.
We protect consumers from the high price of funeral homes.