For the bereaved, chaos often erupts after a death. Very few people have experience in all the things that follow. This checklist is intended to make the process easier.
When a loved one dies, it is often difficult to think clearly. Because in times of mourning there are supposedly more important things than bureaucracy. But there are things that should better not be put off. Here's what to do one at a time.
1. Notify family doctor
If your loved one died at home, you should inform the family doctor treating you immediately. This must certify the death of the deceased. Without the death certificate, the competent registry office cannot issue the death certificate, which is necessary, for example, to register the funeral.
"When the place of death is in the hospital or in a care facility, the facility usually takes care of the organisation," says Elke Herrnberger from the Federal Association of German Undertakers.
2. Hire a funeral home
The next step is to hire a funeral director. As a rule, this is the task of the next of kin, says Herrnberger. For example, the spouse or registered partner, followed by children and parents.
If the deceased has taken appropriate precautions and selected a funeral home early on, this step is easier. If not, recommendations from friends or acquaintances could help in choosing the undertaker, says Herrnberger. "You can also call different undertakers or make appointments and see who you feel most comfortable with." On the website of the Federal Association of German Undertakers, for example, you will find a selection of undertakers in your area.
The undertaker can take care of many other organizational things for you, such as applying for the death certificate and registering the funeral.
By the way: Even if you have commissioned a undertaker, you can say goodbye to your loved one in peace. "Depending on the federal state, you have between 24 and 36 hours before a transfer has to be carried out," says Elke Herrnberger. Even a laying out at home is therefore conceivable.
3. Gather the most important documents
Now it is time to compile the most important documents. This includes an identity card or passport, birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, if applicable, or a divorce decree (depending on marital status). A undertaker can also provide support here - even if important documents have expired or are missing entirely and replacement documents have to be procured.
In addition, these documents are also important as a result: the health insurance card, the pension number, documents for the company pension and a possible existing will. If there is a funeral plan, death benefit insurance, life insurance or other provisions, these documents should also be sought out.
4. Organize the funeral
When it comes to organizing the funeral, the most important question is: Did the deceased leave a funeral plan? According to Ansgar Beckervordersandfort, this is a great relief for the bereaved because it relieves mourners of many decisions. Beckervordersandfort is a lawyer and notary and is a member of the executive committee of the Inheritance Law Working Group of the German Lawyers' Association.
In the document, the deceased could have specified during his lifetime where and how he would like to be buried, which mourners should be informed and who is the desired undertaker. Even the costs for the funeral could then have already been deposited with the chosen undertaker.
Important: Funeral wishes should never be formulated in the will. As a rule, the will is not opened until after the burial. "Then it's too late, all decisions have been made," says Elke Herrnberger.
If there is no funeral arrangements or directives, it is up to the bereaved to decide all these things. The deceased may have expressed wishes regarding his burial, which should then be taken into account.
5. Take care of household and animals
If the relative ran their own household, you should take care of the pets and plants, empty the letter box, place a forwarding order with the post office, close the windows, empty the refrigerator, turn off electricity, gas and water or inform the utility.
If the deceased lived in a rented apartment, the landlord or property manager should also be informed of the death.
6. Cancel contracts, subscriptions and memberships
Bank statements can give you a pretty good view of ongoing commitments that should now be ending. The deceased may also have left an emergency plan listing all liabilities.
For example, newspaper subscriptions, memberships in clubs and associations, insurance policies and telephone and mobile phone contracts should be terminated. In practice, the death certificate should suffice.
7. Regulate the inheritance
You should submit a certified copy of the death certificate and all existing wills in the original to the competent probate court. The probate court then opens the wills and sends them as a certified copy together with a record of the opening to the persons mentioned in the wills and the legal heirs, says Ansgar Beckervordersandfort.
If the testator has drawn up a notarial will or an inheritance contract, the heirs can identify themselves as such with the certified copy of the opening protocol and apply for the transfer of accounts and real estate to themselves. If there is only a handwritten will or no will at all, heirs usually have to apply for a certificate of inheritance, which is subject to a fee. This is usually done with the notary, who then forwards the application for a certificate of inheritance to the probate court.
"If there are several heirs, then the community of heirs must be explained," says Ansgar Beckervordersandfort. Anyone who fears that the estate is overindebted or that their status as heirs will be affected by provisions in the will should seek legal advice immediately. Because the disclaimer of the inheritance is only possible within a short period of time.
