POST-FUNERAL
Checklist
A step-by-step guide to the information to find, the documents to gather, and the organisations to contact, following the death of a loved one
Joyce Mathers Celebrant
Tel: 0415 449 894
Web: joycematherscelebrant.com
POST-FUNERAL
A step-by-step guide to the information to find, the documents to gather, and the organisations to contact, following the death of a loved one
Tel: 0415 449 894
Web: joycematherscelebrant.com
In the midst of your grief, just getting on with life can seem seem impossibly difficult and totally inconsequential.
But it is at this very time that you will be expected to locate a great many documents, collate a host of information, and perhaps, make important financial decisions.
This Post-Funeral Checklist will guide you, step-by-step, through the information you will need to find, the documents you should gather, and the organisations you may need to contact.
My aim is to make this confusing process less burdensome by enabling you to collect, at least, some of these items before you find yourself under pressure to do so.
I truely hope you find it helpful in this most difficult time for you.
Joyce
Funeral Celebrant
Joyce is one of Perth's most highly rated and best-loved Celebrants.
She is widely regarded, by both peers and clients alike, as a caring and compassionate person and a consummate professional.
Joyce is no stranger to grief. As an experienced Funeral Celebrant Joyce has helped comfort and guide numerous people in their time of loss.
In this guide, Joyce shares some of the wisdom she has gained - both from comforting others and from being comforted herself in times of grief.
Inside, you will find useful resources and proven practices that will help guide and support you as you grieve the loss of your loved one.
Anon.
Within days and months of your loss, you’ll need to gather many documents and make financial decisions. This checklist will
help make the process less burdensome and confusing.
There is much to do after the loss of a loved one. The process can be taxing and difficult to comprehend so it is important that you look after yourself.
(see "Chapter 2 of How to Cope With Losing a Loved One" for more detailed information)
The next step after the funeral is to obtain a death certificate. If there was no funeral, the executor will need to register the death. It can take between 2-5 weeks to receive the death certificate.
To register the death you will need the following documents & information:
Late Partner:
Yourself:
If you intend registering the death yourself to receive the death certificate you should contact:
The W.A. Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages
Address: 141 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Phone: 1300 305 021
Website: https://bdm.justice.wa.gov.au/
Cost: Approximately $50
You, or someone else, will be appointed as the executor of the Will. The executor will need the following documents to administer the Will:
Late Partner:
It would be advisable to gather all the above AND following documents in one safe place for easy access:
It would be advisable to arrange for approximately 10 certified copies of the death certificate, Will, late partner’s birth certificate, your marriage certificate and 100 points of ID. They may be required when contacting organisations about your partners death.
The following list of organisations and companies are suggestions on who to contact to cancel or change the details of your late partner’s accounts into your (or the executor’s) name.
Please take all due care when changing your loved one’s accounts.
Call: 13 23 00
Why?
You may be eligible for bereavement payments
What you will need:
Certified copy of the death certificate, your late partner’s Centrelink account number, and proof of your identification
Call: VARIOUS
Why?
You should contact your late partner’s superannuation, insurance company (life, house, car, travel, vet, etc.) and/or private health fund to notify them of the death.
What you will need:
They will inform you of what documents and forms to fill in
Note: some agencies have time limits on how long you have to claim
Check website/visit branch
Why?
Advise banks or credit unions of your late partner's death.
What you will need:
Certified copy of the death certificate and the Will, the deceased account details, and your own form of photo identification (up to 100 points)
Call: 13 28 61
Why?
Advise tax office of your late partner's death.
What you will need:
Certified copies of the death certificate and the Will
Call: ONLINE
Why?
Your late partner’s social media accounts need to be closed.
With Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you may wish to “memorialise” their account.
To delete each account, you will need to fill out an online form, with proof of the obituary or a certified copy of the death certificate, and your own identification.
Call: VISIT LOCATION
Why?
Return any unused medication or prescription forms.
Advise the chemist that your partner has passed away, to ensure their information is removed from their system.
What you will need: Call: VARIOUS
Why?
It would be advisable to cancel any outstanding and/or upcoming appointments: medical, dental etc.
Nothing required
Call: VISIT LOCATION
Why?
Return any books, magazines and DVDs to the library, and advise that your partner has passed away.
What you will need:
Nothing required
Every care has been taken in the preparation of this document such that the information it contains is believed to be accurate. It contains guidelines only in relation to its subject matter. The author advises that professional advice be sought wherever necessary.
Join me for a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee to talk about your ceremony and find out if we are a good fit for each other.
No Pressure. No Obligation.
Tel: 0415 449 894
Email: joyce@joycematherscelebrant.com