Berlin.
When a loved one dies, it’s hard to think about forms and deadlines. However, these tasks must be completed quickly.
At some point everyone experiences the death of a loved one. For near relatives it’s always a shock no matter how old the deceased person was. The loss is followed by grief, which looks to the past.
But in the here and now things have to be done that appear banal and bureaucratic in such a situation. The Death checklist of the money advisor Finanztip helps to maintain an overview, The deadline follow and don’t forget anything.
1. In the event of death: This must be done quickly
It is important within the closest Family Agree quickly on who is responsible for what. Relatives and close friends should be informed promptly.
This must be done no later than three days after the death registry office learn about it. The family can leave this to a funeral director or apply for the death certificate themselves. This often works online.
Since November 1, 2022, the registry office no longer requires birth, marriage or other certificates, as it can retrieve this data from other offices. It’s probably faster if the family has the existing ones certificates submits.
Did the deceased have one? death benefit insurance or a life insurance policy, the insurer must be informed immediately in order to avoid difficulties with the payment.
2. Organize a funeral
Some people organize theirs Burial already during their lifetime by concluding a pension plan with a funeral home. In such a case, everything essential has already been clarified and paid for. In all other cases, the relatives must choose a funeral director.
Die funeral expenses depend on individual ideas and wishes. The funeral planner of the Federal Association of German Undertakers enables a quick online overview of costs – depending on the type of funeral. Since a funeral can be expensive, Finanztip recommends comparing the offers of at least two undertakers.
After the funeral, the family usually invites the mourners for coffee and cake. The family should select a suitable restaurant in good time and determine the approximate number of guests.
3. Will and Estate
Does the deceased person have a Testament drawn up and kept at home, the relatives must submit their last will to the probate court. The court then opens up Testament and informs the heirs. However, it may take some time before mail comes from the court.
If several people inherit together, it makes sense to get an overview of the assets of the deceased person. You can do that with one estate register, in which assets, accounts, real estate, but also debts are listed. The free one is suitable for this Submission of the Dresden Higher Regional Court.
4. View contracts
The death of a person does not automatically mean that their contracts also end. It is advisable to clarify all contracts relating to the apartment: contracts with electricity and gas suppliers must either be terminated or re-registered.
The same applies to landline connections – and the Internet, possibly for cable television or streaming services. Also broadcasting fee and magazine subscriptions are not forgotten.
Did the deceased live alone in a rental apartment, a period of notice of three months also applies after death. The heirs must continue to pay the rent for at least that long. In order for the current month to still fall within the notice period, the apartment must be canceled in writing by the third working day of the month at the latest.
5. Think about digital heritage
The younger the deceased was, the more likely it is that they have at least one Smartphone, tablet or computer. The data stored there are passed on to the heirs.
Profiles on social media, such as Facebook or Instagram, should be closed by relatives. Not easy if accesses with personal passwords are protected that the family does not know.
In this case, the heirs can inform the relevant companies of the death and ask them to delete the accounts. This also applies to e-mail accounts, accounts with payment services and mail order companies. Finanztip advises creating an overview of digital accounts and passwords while you are still alive and appointing a trusted person who can do this digital heritage to manage.
This article appears in cooperation withfinanztip.de. The money guide for consumers is part of the Finanztip Foundation.
More articles from this category can be found here: Life
