First Visit Checklist

Caskets are not required for cremation unless one is desired by the family or there is to be a public viewing before the cremation. All that is required by OSHA is the OSHA approved minimum cardboard container and pouch which are cremated with the body. Other OSHA approved cremation containers are available for purchase as well. The basic containment materials are provided by our funeral home and are included in our direct cremation package.

We do not require embalming unless there is to be a public viewing with an open casket or in rare cases where the body is to be shipped long distances (usually internationally), before cremation. We invite immediate family members to privately view the deceased prior to cremation at no charge.

• Obtain an adequate number of certified copies of the death certificate for legal purposes. You also my re-order certified copies by calling the funeral home. Who Needs a Death Certificate?
• Notify your bank. Change all accounts into your name only or joint accounts with surviving children or relatives.
• Notify deceased's employer and employer's personnel or insurance department. Check on group insurance benefits, survivor's benefits, profit sharing, and/or pension monies, which you may be entitled to.
• Check on monies in credit unions. Some supply life insurance.
• Inquire about health insurance coverage for you and your children if carried by the deceased.
• Check on accident insurance. If death was accidental, you may be entitled to benefits on the unused premium.
• Check on automobile insurance. See above.
• If the deceased was a member of a labor union, notify the union and inquire about any benefits survivors are entitled to.
• Check with fraternal organizations that the deceased was a member of; they may provide benefits.
• Apply at a local Social Security office for any benefits you and your minor children are entitled to. Social Security Benefits
• Collect any debts owed to deceased by other persons.
• Review of your present financial situation.
• If you have no income or monies due you presently, seek emergency aid from the Department of Social Services.
• Keep an up-to-date accounting of all cash income and expenses.
• Get hospital and medical statements as soon as possible.
• Pay all bills and taxes owed as soon as possible (funeral, income tax, real estate, home mortgage, hospital and other bills incurred). But first, check on credit life insurance that may have been carried on all debts (house, car, appliances, ect.). Close accounts covered by this insurance.
• For any legal questions concerning the deceased, we suggest you contact your attorney. He will discuss with you probating of the will, inheritance, estate taxes, etc.
• Draw up or update your own will.
• Change beneficiary on your inheritance.
• Transfer real estate title of jointly-held property in the Register of Deeds office in the county where real estate is located.
• Change stocks and bonds into your name only or jointly with surviving children or relatives.
• Transfer automobile title into your name at Secretary of State's office, or if estate is probated, through Probate Court.