Aftercare & Settling Affairs
Our care doesn’t end at the service. Here’s a gentle guide to what comes next — and a family ready to help you through it.
You don’t have to figure it out alone
In the weeks after a loss, families face a long list of practical tasks — paperwork, accounts, benefits, and decisions — often while still deep in grief. This guide lays out what to do and roughly when, and your Larkin funeral director is always a phone call away to help you make sense of it.
What to expect after the funeral
A two-minute film about the aftercare appointment. An estate specialist stays with you through the notifications, the protections, and the follow-up.
The film didn’t load. You can open it directly, or read the transcript below.
Read the transcript
Opening. Larkin Mortuary Aftercare Guide. What to expect after the funeral. We do aftercare differently. Most funeral homes just hand you a checklist. We provide one-on-one guidance for every next step. Here’s how it works.
Schedule. You will receive a phone call inviting you to schedule your aftercare appointment with an experienced estate specialist. Your appointment will take place over the phone.
Prepare. Gather any important information about your loved one’s affairs to make your appointment more effective. You should have received an email or handout with tips on what information to prepare.
Appointment. Your estate specialist will ask questions about your loved one’s estate, provide education on relevant topics, and create an action plan for the next steps. This initial appointment usually lasts between 20 minutes and one hour, depending on your needs.
Notifications. Your estate specialist will get to work on notifying the agreed-upon parties of your loved one’s passing. Certain organizations, like Social Security, need the next of kin to be present on the phone call. For these calls, your estate specialist will stay on the line and make the call with you.
Fraud protection. Your estate specialist will set up protections against fraud and identity theft. An estimated 2.5 million deceased identities are stolen each year.
Referrals. If your needs go beyond what an estate specialist can provide, we maintain a network of trusted professionals who can pick up where the estate specialist leaves off. Your estate specialist is not an attorney or a financial advisor, but can refer you to someone trustworthy as needed.
Follow-up. Your estate specialist will continue to communicate by email and phone until all tasks have been completed. This service never expires. You can reach back out with questions at any time. We provide service-based aftercare support, because you deserve more than just a checklist.
What to do, and when
In the first days
- Order certified death certificates. You’ll need several originals for banks, insurers, and agencies — we help you order the right number.
- Secure the home and property. Collect mail, care for pets and plants, and keep the residence safe.
- Locate important documents. The will or trust, insurance policies, military discharge papers, deeds, and account information.
- Notify close family, employer, and clergy. Let those who need to know hear it personally.
In the first weeks
- Notify the Social Security Administration. Survivors may be eligible for benefits; report the death and ask what applies to your family.
- Contact employers and pension plans. Ask about final pay, retirement accounts, and any life insurance through work.
- File life insurance claims. Reach out to each insurer with a certified death certificate and the policy details.
- Notify banks and financial institutions. Checking, savings, credit cards, loans, and investment accounts.
- For veterans: ask about burial benefits, honors, and a government marker — see our caring for a veteran page.
Settling the estate
- Identify the executor or trustee. This is the person named to carry out the estate’s affairs.
- Understand whether probate is needed. Whether and how an estate goes through probate depends on how assets are held — an attorney can advise on your situation.
- Transfer titles and update beneficiaries. Property, vehicles, and accounts may need to be retitled.
- Address final taxes. A final income tax return is generally required; a tax professional can guide you.
- Close or transfer accounts. Utilities, subscriptions, memberships, and online accounts.
Please note: This page offers general guidance only — it is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Laws and benefits vary and change over time. For decisions about probate, taxes, or an estate, please consult a qualified attorney or financial professional. We’re glad to point you toward trusted local resources.
Care that continues
Grief doesn’t follow a checklist. Long after the paperwork is done, Larkin is still here — with support, community, and a family that remembers.
Have a question about what comes next?
Whether it’s paperwork, benefits, or simply where to start, our family is here to help — with no pressure and no obligation.