While suffering from the loss of a loved one, family members alsoneed to address a range of bureaucratic issues. They involve everything from the release of the body to obtaining documents. As painful as it may be, you need to know what to do when someone dies.

Generally, a person with a somewhat more stable emotional is chosen to deal with the situation. This text is a basic guide so that you don’t feel lost if you have to assume this difficult role. See below what needs to be done.

Procedures on different types of death

The bureaucracy involved in the death may vary according to the laws of each municipality, but, in general, follow the same pattern. After death is confirmed, the body must go through a certain path, according to each type of occurrence.

Natural death

If a doctor was present at the time of death, he can declare himself and issue a certificate. Otherwise, it is necessary to inform the police, who will register. It may be that an investigator or delegate decides to open an investigation to investigate the causes when homicide or other unnatural motivation is suspected.

Death in the hospital

When the death occurs within 24 hours after admission, it is necessary to call the Legal Medical Institute (IML) to investigate and issue the certificate.

In a longer period, the doctor himself can confirm the death and issue the declaration, provided that there is no legal impediment. In both situations, the family receives the body shortly after that.

Violent death

In this case, the release of the body can take much longer. The police will investigate the case, and the deceased will be referred to City Hall, which will issue the death certificate. Only after a complete examination (necropsy), is the release for family members.

An important detail is that there is a need to recognize the body before release. This transpires in accidents, homicides when the person does not have an identification document and is missing.

It is good to choose someone prepared to deal with the situation since it is something very delicate and even traumatic.

Death certificate and other documents

It is essential to present all documents of the deceased for the issue of the death certificate. This avoids any legal problems in the future and makes it easier to take other steps. Are necessary:

• identity card;
• Social Security Number;
• birth or marriage certificate;
• professional license or record;
• Voter registration;
• Any other ID issued by the government

Preparing the funeral

With the death certificate issued, it’s time to start planning the funeral.

You must contact a funeral home to hire the service. With her help, it is possible to prepare all the procedures, from the transfer and courtship to the choice of the burial method. It is essential to choose a reliable company and analyze the contract well.

If the option is a burial, a deposit must be purchased if the family does not already have one. As for cremation, in addition to the death certificate, it is necessary to present a declaration of the deceased still in life, registered with a notary, confirming the choice.

It is also necessary to have the signature of two doctors attesting the death or of a coroner and a judicial authorization in case of violent death.

Although less common, cremation is a much cheaper and ecological form of burial, not requiring the purchase of land or the payment of condominium fees. Once cremated, the ashes can be spread in a special place for the deceased.

The funeral home also helps to choose other details, such as some different preparation, the decoration, the holding of a religious ceremony, among other wishes of the family and the deceased.

By the way, he can register in life the preference for all the preparations. This can be done through a will registered with a notary, under the charge of a lawyer or relative, or through the purchase of funeral plans.

A funeral plan covers all the beneficiary’s wishes, ensuring more security. It is a cheaper way to pay for the funeral, so as not to leave the responsibility and fees in the hands of someone else.

When the family cannot afford the funeral expenses, the state can assist. There are several municipal and state programs that provide for simple coverage of a funeral and burial, in addition to exemption from fees.

Other important procedures

A person can be an organ donor no matter where he dies – Hospital or his home. For this, it is necessary to leave it registered in life and with the authorization of family members after death.

It is necessary to have medical clearance and quick service, which allows the donation to be viable. In some municipalities, such as São Paulo, there is an exemption from the payment of urns, awake, burial, and tariffs for organ donors.

Right when someone dies, it is important to make a note of death, warning people less close to what happened. This is even more relevant when the person has some notoriety and in case of sudden death.

In addition, after all the process of wake and burial, it is necessary to take care of the property of the deceased. It may be that he left a willfully prepared or even informed someone about his preferences. In any case, it is good to respect his latest wishes and notify all heirs.

If there is no direction to the contrary, clothing and personal effects can be donated or passed on to others close to you. This can be an important rite of passage, as it is a way of saying goodbye and even trying to overcome the loss.

Finally, it is worth noting that even though it is a traumatic and emotional moment, death is something natural, and that needs to be discussed. Talk openly with your family about how you want to be veiled and buried, whether you want to donate organs and any other important details.

Knowing what to do when someone dies can be an easier way to deal with the loss of a loved one.

As difficult as it is to talk about death, this is a moment that needs to be well understood. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive more content on mourning, death, and spirituality.