In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the steps that family or friends should be taking in the immediate aftermath of the passing of a loved one. While this is a difficult time for all involved, our professionals are here to help with all the important elements of funeral planning and related areas, many of which are important for not only preserving the departed’s memory, but also handling their affairs appropriately.
At McDougal Funeral Home, we’re here to help with a variety of funeral planning themes in Salt Lake City, including the most immediate and pressing steps that should be taken following the passing of a loved one. While part one of our series went over some basics on making contact with a funeral director and arranging for body disposal and transportation, today’s part two will look at some of the important steps as you move forward toward the funeral itself.
In nearly every state, laws are in place that require a funeral provider, coroner or another authority figure to complete a Pronouncement of Death, also called a Registration of Death. In addition, a Burial Permit must be obtained.
There are typically forms for both these areas, forms that can be found at City Hall and are usually offered online as well. These must be submitted to the County Recorder in the county that the departed passed away in – without these permits signed by the Recorder, the body cannot be legally buried or otherwise disposed of. If you have any questions here, speak to our team or staff at your County Recorder’s office.
Another important step following the passing of a loved one is to inform the proper parties, starting with other family members who don’t yet know. These can be difficult conversations to have, and you may want to prepare yourself in advance. Take your time and enlist the assistance of other family members – a single person should not be making several of these phone calls in a row.
In addition, it’s important to notify other relevant parties once family and friends have heard the news. These other parties include the departed’s employer, doctor, religious group, insurance companies, credit card companies, and various gyms, clubs or organizations they were part of.
Once the proper notifications and permits have been taken care of, it’s time to actually plan the funeral. This process will vary widely depending on the funeral being held – some will be smaller and relatively short, while others will involve large and lengthy ceremonies. Important elements to consider include everything from venue and date to invitations, food/refreshments, who will be speaking, and a few others. These are all areas where our funeral professionals will be happy to assist you.
For more on the immediate steps to take after the loss of a loved one, or to learn about any of our funeral planning, cremation options or other services in Salt Lake City, speak to the staff at McDougal Funeral Home.
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