When Death Occurs / What Next?

What to Do When a Death Occurs

Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society of Florida understands that death creates a confusing and difficult time for the deceased’s survivors. Here is some advice as to what you should do when a death occurs.

What You Should Do Immediately

  1. Call 9-1-1 if the death was sudden and unexpected.
  2. Then call your immediate family members and close friends to be with you after your loved one’s death. If the deceased prearranged with Baldwin Brothers or if Baldwin Brothers are your choice for a funeral home, call (877) 410-2424. We’ll handle the rest. We’ll respond immediately to transport your loved one into our care or arrange for an appointment if you wish to say goodbye first.
  3. Begin to experience what happened. Some people choose to quietly sit beside their loved ones or invite people over and share life stories about the deceased. Now is a good time to begin deciding how you will honor any cultural or familial traditions you may have to celebrate your loved one’s life. There’s really no wrong way to process this experience.

What You Should Do Within the First Few Hours or the Next Day

We provide a number of options for the final disposition of the body with burial and cremation being the most common. The deceased’s will may outline what he or she wants. Our funeral director can provide extensive information, and will help you decide what to do with the body, and assist with decisions about services.

What You Should Do the First Few Days

  • Tell other family and friends, employers--if applicable--and any church or volunteer communities about the death.
  • We will notify the Social Security office on your behalf.
  • We will help you decide how many certified copies of the death certificate you should order depending on the estate’s complexity. We will notify the local newspaper about the death and include the location of the service and list any special requests like donations or flowers in the obituary.

What to Do in the First Weeks and Months

  • Cancel automatic bill payments.
  • Contact the deceased’s life insurance company.
  • We will explore eligibility for Civil Service and veteran’s benefits with you.
  • Notify the deceased’s lawyer or executor of the estate.
  • Alert the deceased’s credit card companies.
  • Cancel prescriptions, newspapers, magazines, online subscriptions, and any other subscriptions.
  • Seek professional help to work through the grieving process if you feel unable to cope.

Baldwin Brothers Cremation prides itself on warmth, compassion, and care during your and your family’s difficult time. Call (877) 410-2424 to speak with a funeral or cremation pre-planning expert.

Proudly serving Winter ParkOcalaApopkaNew Smyrna BeachOrmond BeachPort OrangeThe VillagesTavaresSarasotaBradentonFort MyersOcala - Timber RidgePort CharlotteOrlando, Cape Coral and Titusville with cremation and funeral services.