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North Carolina and Kentucky Estate Planning Attorneys

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KY (606) 324-5516
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Who to Call When a Loved One Dies

May 23, 2011 by John Potter

When a loved one dies, you will likely feel overwhelmed, sad, and stressed.  You may feel angry and scared as well.  All of these emotions are completely natural.

Your mind will likely start spinning and you wonder what you should do next.  The smallest task may seem insurmountable.  Know that you will get through it and that there is no emergency, meaning that you don’t have to get everything done right away.

Also, important to remember is that there are many people who will help you.  Who to call when a loved one dies:

  • Family, friends, and clergy will likely be among your first telephone calls if you loved one died in a hospital or some other kind of care facility. 
  • If your loved one died at home, you’ll likely call the funeral home first to have the body removed and to make arrangements. 

The funeral home will give you a check list of tasks to be completed and give you death certificates.  Ask for at least one for each asset owned.  If you don’t know how many assets your loved one owned yet, request 10 death certificates to get started.

The funeral home will also help you to write the obituary and have it published in the local paper so friends know about the death and the funeral or memorial services.

  • Your estate planning attorney will walk you through estate and trust settlement.  She will be the calm in your storm, providing professional guidance with experience and empathy.
  • If  your loved one was still employed, call the employer to give notice of death and stop health insurance coverage when a loved one dies.
  • Your life insurance agent will assist you with receiving life insurance proceeds.
  • The Social Security Administration will assist in stopping monthly payments and in processing any applicable survivor benefits. Similarly, if your loved one was a veteran, the Veterans Administration will assist with stopping monthly pension or compensation payments and determining eligibility for survivor benefits and burial assistance.


  • About
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John Potter

Latest posts by John Potter (see all)

  • What Happens If I Leave Assets Out of My Living Trust? - February 15, 2019
  • What are the Advantages of an Irrevocable Trust? - February 14, 2019
  • Charlotte Medicaid Attorneys Explain How to Protect Healthy Spouses - February 11, 2019

Filed Under: Probate, Trust Settlement Tagged With: Estate Planning Attorney, Funeral Arrangements, Probate, Trust Settlement, When a Loved One Dies

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Testimonials

John Potter has been a real pleasure to work with. He is very knowledgeable and explains things in a very simplistic manner so the average person can understand how/why the laws are written. He is very attentive and asks questions in such a way that not only helps him understand your goals, but also helps you think about what type of goals and expectations you should be considering. Exemplary client service.
David J.
My husband and I selected Ms. Potter to assist with our small business. She responsive and attentive every time I have a question or need assistance, and is extremely knowledgeable and able to answer any legal question I have had. I know I can count on Ms. Potter for all of my business legal needs and I would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal assistance with such.
Jillian
Overall The Potter Firm was very professional. They took what could of been a very complicated process and were able to break it down so it was a lot easier to understand. We are confident we now have made the right decisions in our estate planning. Good firm to work with.
DKS & KMS

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ASHLAND
1620 Carter Avenue
Ashland, KY 41101-7631
Phone: (606) 324-5516
Fax: (606) 324-4766

Charlotte

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15720 Brixham Hill Avenue
Suite 300,
Charlotte, NC 28277
Phone: (704) 944-3245

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HUNTERSVILLE
11330 Vanstory Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone: (704) 944-3245

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY
7310 Turfway Road
Suite 550,
Florence, KY 41042
Phone: (859) 372-6655

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