Bereavement - What to do?

First steps after death

• Notify a doctor (family doctor or emergency doctor), who will determine the death and issue a death certificate
• Notify the funeral director
• Collect documents of the deceased (identity card, birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, divorce certificate, burial decree, etc.)
• Report death to the registry office and have death certificate issued
• Inform relatives of death

Preparation for the funeral

• Transfer of the deceased
• Provision of burial clothes
• Choosing the type of burial
• Selecting cemetery and type of grave
• Arrangement of the date of burial
• Selection of the coffin / urn
• Have flower arrangements and funeral wreaths made
• Order funeral announcement
• Organize funeral service (eulogist if necessary)

Necessary steps after the funeral

• Send thank you cards
• If necessary, have a certificate of inheritance issued at the local court / probate court
• If a will exists, submit it to the probate court
• deregister the deceased with the authorities, offices, insurance companies, etc. or inform them of his or her death
• Stop current payments for rent, insurance, standing orders, etc.
• Close the account (approx. after 8 weeks, because of possible incoming payments).