4 Important Documents You Need Prepare Before The Funeral Home

Do you need a death certificate to arrange a funeral?

Do you need a death certificate to arrange a funeral?

The death certificate is the key to arranging a funeral. It can be obtained by asking for it from your registrar after you've registered the death and there's no charge associated with obtaining this document. Moreover, the next step in planning ahead, if not using a funeral director, is to keep this paper safe as it will need to show proof of identity when making arrangements for burial or cremation services.

4 Important Documents You Need Prepare Before the Funeral Home

If you are in the process of making funeral arrangements, it is important to know what documents you will need. The most common document needed for burial or cremation is a death certificate. Also, other documents may include an obituary notice, and any other documentation from the church or cemetery where your loved one has been laid to rest.

Documents like;

• HIPAA Release
• Healthcare Power of Attorney
• Will
• ICE Book of Important Documents

1. HIPAA Release

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) stipulate that all medical records are confidential between the patient and the healthcare provider. If you want a family member to have access to your records in case you pass away or become incapacitated. You need to fill out and sign a HIPAA Release form 

2. Healthcare Power of Attorney

A healthcare power of attorney (POA) document appoints someone to make your medical decisions for you if you ever become unable. This document is good to have in the event of any medical problems from terminal illnesses and loss of brain function to temporary unconsciousness. Choose someone you trust to be your healthcare POA.

3. Will

Your will is a document that states who will receive your assets and belongings after you pass. Wills must meet some important criteria to be valid, so it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney. Make sure your will:  

• Clearly identifies itself as your personal will and clearly lists your name, date of birth, and social security number.  
• Names an executor to make sure your exact wishes are carried out, from cremation to dividing the assets.  
• Clearly lists and identifies the heirs  
• Names all your assets, from bank accounts to estates and everything in between. And also, designates which heir will get what percentage of each asset.  
• Is signed by you and two or three witnesses 

You can also draw up a living will in the event you become incapacitated in some way. Also, different than a POA or a will, a living will let you layout your end-of-life wishes in the event you become terminally ill.  

4. ICE Book of Important Documents