A bereavement in the family often takes us by surprise and unprepared. And even if we would prefer to hide away, there are a number of things that need to be done during this difficult time. We tell you what they are.

Death certificate for bereavement in the family

The first thing to do is to obtain a death certificate and the death certificate. If the death occurred in hospital, the bereaved will automatically receive the death certificate from the hospital. If the death occurred at home, a doctor will be called in to issue a death certificate after the post-mortem examination.

On the third working day after the death at the latest, the bereaved must take the death certificate to the registry office and have the death certificate issued. The following documents must be brought along in the event of a family bereavement: Birth certificate and identity card of the deceased; in the case of married persons, the marriage certificate; in the case of divorced persons, the divorce decree. The registrar in whose jurisdiction the death occurred is responsible for the certification.

Several copies of the death certificate

The registrar issues the death certificate on the basis of the death certificate - preferably in around ten copies. The other copies will be needed later to deregister pensions, close accounts or cancel insurance policies. As a rule, insurance companies etc. should be informed of the bereavement in the family as soon as possible, as the rule of knowledge acquisition applies here: premiums are reimbursed from the exact point in time at which the insurer is informed of the death. A telephone call is usually sufficient.

Choosing a funeral director for family bereavement

While these formalities are being taken care of in the event of a family bereavement, the funeral should also be organized. Depending on the federal state, a funeral director must be selected within 36 hours at the latest. They will collect the body. Beforehand, it must be clarified whether the deceased has taken out a funeral provision in the form of a so-called funeral provision contract - then the funeral home will take care of all further steps. A funeral date should be set within the first two days.

A discussion must also be held with the parish priest. A nursery will help with the selection of wreaths and flowers for the funeral, and a suitable restaurant will help with the choice of menu for the meal afterwards. A printing company should also be commissioned with the funeral cards now.