--- title: A Quick Mini Checklist description: Back in 1991, managing member Joe Donohue’s grandmother Audrey wrote a letter to her family with instructions on what to do when a loved one dies. She wrote this letter when her own mother passed away at the age of ninety-seven. image: https://www.docrlaw.com/hubfs/Audrey.jpg --- [RETIRING TRUSTS & ESTATES ATTORNEYS CLICK HERE](https://www.docrlaw.com/retiring-attorneys) - [![](https://www.docrlaw.com/hubfs/fb-icon.png)](https://www.facebook.com/DOCRLAW/) - [![](https://www.docrlaw.com/hubfs/linkdin-icon.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/docr-law/) Call Us Toll Free: 844.50.TRUST [![Donohue, O'Connell & Riley PLLC logo | Estate, Tax and Elder Law Attorneys](https://www.docrlaw.com/hubfs/Will_vs_revocable/DOCR_Logo.jpg)](https://docrlaw.com/) [![2020_Focus_LogoV2](https://www.docrlaw.com/hubfs/docrlaw-2020/2020_Focus_LogoV2.png "2020_Focus_LogoV2")](https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/20/20-focus-the-gift-of-foresight) Topics: [Topic: News](https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/tag/topic-news) # A Quick Mini Checklist ![Joe Grandma Blog_Page_1](https://www.docrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Joe%20Grandma%20Blog_Page_1.jpg?width=300&name=Joe%20Grandma%20Blog_Page_1.jpg) ![Audrey](https://www.docrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Audrey.jpg?width=300&name=Audrey.jpg)     Audrey wrote, “The funeral director is very helpful in making the arrangements and will advise what steps should be taken. If possible, it would be advisable to make a few decisions BEFORE setting up an appointment.”   ![Screen Shot 2019-04-17 at 1.07.53 PM](https://www.docrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-04-17%20at%201.07.53%20PM.png?width=1090&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-04-17%20at%201.07.53%20PM.png)   These decisions range from the immediate matter of organizing a funeral ceremony and selecting the nature of the deceased’s burial or cremation to managing financial transfers from the deceased to his or her heirs. One useful tip is to prioritize settling the affairs and transitioning the assets of the deceased. Be sure to cancel the deceased’s appointments and either cancel or re-direct pension checks and Social Security benefits to a surviving spouse as soon as possible. You should consider adding a co-signer for bank accounts to streamline this process for an elderly parent.  Compiling all necessary documents of the deceased is also an important step. For example, Audrey recommended ordering copies of the death certificate immediately to be issued to the deceased’s banks, life insurance companies, medical insurance companies, pension companies and the Social Security agency.   ![Screen Shot 2019-04-17 at 1.09.57 PM](https://www.docrlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-04-17%20at%201.09.57%20PM.png?width=1093&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-04-17%20at%201.09.57%20PM.png)   She also advised bringing the cemetery deed to the funeral home, as well as preparing checks for expected expenses, including the headstone, the excavation of the grave, funeral fees and fees for ceremony personnel such as an organist. Making ceremonial decisions in advance, preferably with regard to the previously stated wishes of the deceased, can reduce stress and uncertainty after a loved one passes away. These decisions may include the number of receiving dates, who will serve as pall bearers, whether the casket will be open or closed and the type of flowers that will be present at the ceremony, or whether burial or cremation is desired. Having a plan can make even the most tragic occasion more manageable and turn it into a celebration of life. By following Audrey’s sage advice, you can spend less time organizing logistics and more time honoring the life and legacy of your loved one. [![VIEW AUDREY'S LETTER](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4307101/adfcc882-e0bd-4c1a-986d-5fcd93d00744.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4307101/adfcc882-e0bd-4c1a-986d-5fcd93d00744)  [![DOWNLOAD AUDREY'S CHECKLIST](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4307101/f4f33369-3853-4214-92a4-5869106d6797.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4307101/f4f33369-3853-4214-92a4-5869106d6797) May 13, 2019 ## Share this entry - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/a-quick-mini-checklist) Share on Facebook - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/a-quick-mini-checklist) Share on Twitter - [**](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/a-quick-mini-checklist) Share on Google+ - [**](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/a-quick-mini-checklist&media=) Share on Pinterest - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/a-quick-mini-checklist) Share on Linkedin - [**](http://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/a-quick-mini-checklist) Share on Tumblr - [**](http://vk.com/share.php?url=https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/a-quick-mini-checklist) Share on VK - [**](http://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/a-quick-mini-checklist) Share on Reddit - ** Share on Mail ### Contact Us 1-844-50-TRUST [info@docrlaw.com](mailto:info@dn-legal.com) - [![](https://www.docrlaw.com/hubfs/fb-icon.png)](https://www.facebook.com/DOCRLAW/) - [![](https://www.docrlaw.com/hubfs/linkdin-icon.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/docr-law/) ### Search ### Search This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Site Map ### Recent Posts ### Recent Posts - [Navigating the “Cognitive Staircase”: A Guide to Planning for the Years Ahead](https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/navigating-the-cognitive-staircase-a-guide-to-planning-for-the-years-ahead) June 8, 2026 - [Avoiding Common Estate Planning Mistakes](https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/avoiding-common-estate-planning-mistakes) May 14, 2026 - [Timely Tips for Stress-Free Summer Travel](https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/timely-tips-for-stress-free-summer-travel) May 13, 2026 - [Strategic Stewardship of the Family Vacation Home](https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/strategic-stewardship-of-the-family-vacation-home) March 23, 2026 - [Classic Counsel, Revisited.](https://www.docrlaw.com/articles/classic-counsel-revisited) January 20, 2026 ### Disclaimer Please be aware that the information contained in this site is not intended to be legal advice and is not a substitute for consultation with legal counsel. 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