Post-Death Procedures

Navigating Social Media and Funeral Etiquette

October 8th, 2012

When someone passes there is more left behind than just their physical property. The importance of social media profiles have given many individuals a strong online presence which remains after death. For those trying to settle the estate of a lost loved one, you should be aware of the power of social media and the options available for managing these accounts. FSN Funeral Homes would like to share some of these options and the proper etiquette of using social media in the event that someone you love passes.

Deactivating the Deceased’s Social Media Accounts

Facebook

With Facebook, you have two options:  permanently delete the profile or memorialize the profile. For more details, check out this FSN Funeral Homes post.

Google Accounts

There are Many Ways to Settle the Deceased’s Online Affairs

To gain access to a Google account, whether to delete it or perform upkeep, you need to submit the proper forms (this includes the death certificate, a copy of your driver’s license, a copy of an email from the Gmail account you wish to access.)  This applies to Gmail, Google+, YouTube and other Google applications.  For more information on how to deactivate the deceased’s Google account, read here.

Twitter

Twitter accounts of the deceased may be deactivated by an authorized family member. Twitter requires a death certificate, your driver’s license, an obituary, and a notarized statement of intent. Visit the Twitter support page for more information.

Flickr

If a Flickr account becomes inactive, only the last 200 photos will be visible to the public. Flickr does reserve the right to remove these inactive accounts, but typically don’t. If you wish to deactivate a deceased relative’s account, contact the Yahoo! Legal Compliance team at (408)349-3687 for instructions and options. A death certificate will be required.

LinkedIn

To notify LinkedIn of a deceased contact profile, you must submit a Read Instructions and Access the Verification of Death Form which will then be processed by the site.

Proper Etiquette for Memorializing with Social Media

Be Informative

If you choose to memorialize or maintain your deceased loved one’s profile, make sure you remain informative. Too many status updates or posts will fill friends’ pages with reminders of their lost loved one. Though some may appreciate this, others may find the constant reminder painful. Use the profile to inform the deceased’s friends about funeral arrangements and allow them to leave encouraging posts and stories.

Report Inappropriate Content

The greatest risk which comes from leaving a profile open to the public is the posting of inappropriate statements. The deceased should be honored through these sites, not criticized or disrespected. If you see any inappropriate, rude, or offensive post on a profile, immediately report it to the social media site. They should be more than willing to handle the issue.

In the case that a video is posted on YouTube of your deceased loved one while in critical condition or after death, fill out an online form to remove it.

Be Clear

When a profile is not properly memorialized, some people may not be aware that the individual has passed. Make sure all who visit the page are informed that the profile is in memorial.  If you do not, some may unknowingly send messages or post on their page expecting a response. This can be embarrassing and painful for all parties involved.

Pre – Planning and Social Media

Today, there are several social media pre-planning options which allow individuals to ensure their online presence is properly handled after death. These services provide everything from allowing access to online banking or email to a specified individual, deleting or memorializing accounts, and sending tweets upon death. The United States’ government advises that every individual create a social media will in its USA.gov blog.

Though handling your deceased loved one’s online affairs may seem difficult, please do not underestimate the importance of settling these online accounts. Social media serves to connect people and can be a valuable resource for informing the public of an individual’s passing. These online friends will appreciate that you took the time to inform them and you will have the opportunity to connect with other individuals who care for your lost loved one.

FAQs: Funeral Planning

September 10th, 2011

Here at FSN Funeral Homes, we strive to find the best advise for the questions so commonly asked about funeral planning and the details that come along with it. Here is a list of the most frequent questions and their answers. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

FAQ : Funeral Planning

 Funeral QuestionsWhat do I need to know about funeral planning?

There are a few basics you should always keep in mind when planning a funeral.

  • Be informed and ask questions.
  • Go over all options available at several funeral homes, making sure the funeral home you chose is suitable for your personal needs and budget.
  • Request an itemized price list.
  • Make the arrangements for a personalized service to honor your loved one.

Who do I need to contact first when pre-planning a funeral?

  • When pre-planning a funeral you can call the funeral home directly and work with the funeral director there, or you can contact an Estate Planning attorney.

How much does an average funeral cost?

  • The average funeral in today’s time is somewhere between $6,000 – $8,000.  This estimated price includes, all services provided by the funeral home, casket/urn, burial and cemetery arrangements.

Continue reading “FAQs: Funeral Planning” »

Dealing With the Violent Death of Someone You Love

July 12th, 2011

Losing someone in a sudden death is both frightening and unsettling.  Deep emotional stress and confusion surrounds the first few hours and days after a loss. Knowing what to do and being prepared can benefit you immensely during this troubled time.

First Things First

  • Notify Police
  • Officers may leave written information with details about the prosecutor, medical examiner, place of hospital for the deceased and a victims advocate.
  • A family member might be asked to identify the body of the deceased
  • Personal belongings of your loved one might be used as evidence for later in the prosecution. If you wish to claim any of the items, tell the officer leading the case.
  • A forensic autopsy might be required to gather evidence
  • After the identification and autopsy, the medical examiner will arrange transportation of the body to the funeral home the family has selected.

Incident Information Report includes the following:

  • Case number
  • Date and Time of incident
  • Name of officer investigating the incident along with the officer’s contact information
  • Name of the officer who will be contacting the family of the victim
  • Name of the coroner and their contact information
  • Location of the Deceased and contact information for the

If you feel the urge to ask, to get more information, or be more involved during the process of the investigation, don’t hesitate to ask. You are not alone, and you shouldn’t scared to ask the officers or departments of those who are working with your case.

In the mean time, you will need to contact a funeral home to make the arrangements for the service. A funeral director will work with the family to coordinate the service with the needs of the family. They will likely ask for the specifics from an autopsy, if one is performed, and whether or not an open or closed casket will be proper.
The funeral director will also be able to answer any questions you have about transportation of the body to and from the funeral home.

When someone dies as the result of a crime, the police as well as a coroner might be involved.  When the death turns into a criminal investigation, the proceedings for this can take some time. Working with your local law enforcement will help to keep you involved and informed during the investigation.

Dealing With An Unexpected Death

July 8th, 2011

When an unexpected death occurs, the family and loved ones are caught off guard. Not knowing what to do or where to turn can fuel the fire of grief and confusion. We have accumulated critical information for the families that are dealing with the passing of a loved one, to help you through the process.

An unexpected death brings uncertainty and often requires an autopsy to determine the cause of death. When an autopsy is preformed, it will usually take place on the same day or the day after.

Viewing the body of the deceased before an autopsy may be possible in certain circumstances, yet there are times when the family is not able to until after the autopsy has taken place for forensic purposes. If this is the case, the body will be released to the funeral home after the autopsy.

While this process can be frustrating, it is a necessary action that needs to take place in the event of an unexpected death. Take comfort in knowing that the funeral home and funeral director will work through this process with you to help heal the pain and sadness during this difficult time.

How to Handle an Automobile Casualty

July 6th, 2011

When a loved one dies, life suddenly becomes very confusing and frustrating. On top of the grief, emotions and sadness, you now are in the process of planning and arranging a funeral service. This time may be extremely overwhelming, and often times many issues might be overlooked because of the rush.

We are here to help. We have outlined a few topics that are very important when it comes to a sudden death by the way of  automobile accidents.

When a fatality has occurred in a car accident, an incident report is created by officials. It will contain very important information.

Some of the details included will be:

  • Case Number
  • Date and Time of Incident
  • Name of Information of the Investigating Officer
  • Officer notifying family members
  • Coroner’s Information
  • The location of the deceased
  • Police hold and location of vehicle

You will be given information about the location of your loved one. Depending on the severity of the situation, there are different routes that might be taken.

Typically the body is transported to the coroner who was at the scene. If an autopsy is necessary, the body of the deceased may be transported to a pathologist.

If an autopsy is necessary, the coroner or county attorney will be able to make arrangements for the family members to view the deceased body before the autopsy. Once the arrangements and autopsy are preformed, the body is then transported to the funeral home.

When dealing with an automobile accident, the vehicle will probably contain personal belongings. The towing company can remove them for you, or a family member might be able to retrieve them. If  law enforcement has put a hold on the vehicle, there might be  a delay in the process.

Continue reading “How to Handle an Automobile Casualty” »

When A Death Takes Place In A Hospital

July 2nd, 2011

A great sense of grief and loss occurs over the death of a loved one, whether that death is sudden or expected. Experiencing an expected death doesn’t make things easier, but it does generally make the planning for the funeral less difficult.

The list of responsibilities and decisions when someone dies is large and can be overwhelming, but often times when a death is expected, the decedent may have had time to make their own wishes known, either vocally or in writing though a pre-planned will or estate; thus making it easier for the family.

Once the family has chosen a funeral home, the funeral director will help you plan the arrangements for the service.

They will need basic information about the deceased and the family; working with you to ensure a beautiful and respectful service to honor your loved one.

When Someone Dies At Home Alone

June 24th, 2011

The first step you need to make when you are confronted with such a terrible situation is to contact the authorities.

  • Paramedics will arrive at the home to evaluate the situation and decide whether to transfer your loved one to the hospital or funeral home.
  • Depending on whether the death was an act of violence or natural death, the police may be involved.
  • If an autopsy is required, the coroner or medical examiner will discuss the details with you. Procedures for this process vary by state and county. More information about autopsies can be found on the American Autopsies website.

Once officials have determined the cause of death, the body will be transported to the funeral home chosen by the family.

Funeral Directors are a blessing to the family in grief; offering help in the planning and coordinating of the funeral service. They will need personal information about the decedent including:

  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Name’s of immediate family members
  • Social security number.

Your funeral director will be able to walk you through the funeral service process.

What To Do With a Facebook Account When Someone Dies

June 19th, 2011

FacebookThis is generally not one of the first things that someone in mourning will think of. In many cases the family and and friends do not want their loved one’s profile on Facebook floating around in cyberspace. In this article we will walk you through the process of deleting, memorializing, or deactivating their profile.

Memorializing Your Loved One On Facebook

If you wish to memorialize the account you will be required to fill out a form that has information with their name, date of birth, email address associated with the account, and proof of death. Proof of death can be an obituary or newspaper article. (Find the form here.)

Memorializing the account removes some of the more sensitive information like status updates and restricts access to the confirmed “friends” only.

Deleting Your Loved Ones Facebook

If  the family decides it would be best to delete the Facebook account completely this can be done by simply removing the account so that no one can view it. (If the account is removed – Facebook will not restore the account or provide any information about it unless required to do so by law)

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding Facebook accounts, refer to the “Help” section of Facebook.

What To Do When A Loved One Dies

June 15th, 2011

When a loved one dies, the family and friends of the deceased are left planning a funeral service in a time of grief and confusion. This article is here to help, and guide you through the steps needed during this difficult time.

When a Loved One DiesWho To Notify After a Death:

Family Members – Spouse, parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends should be notified first. *tip* It might be easiest to appoint certain people to do the calling to help lessen the load.

Insurance Companies – auto, home and life insurance companies, as well as any others the deceased might be associated with.

Employers – If your loved one was working, you’ll need to call his or her employer immediately. You will also want to ask about:

  • Deceased benefits and any pay due, including: vacation, sick time, disability income, etc.
  • If you or other dependents are still eligible for benefit coverage through the company.
  • Whether there is a life insurance policy through the employer, who the beneficiary is and how to file a claim.

Continue reading “What To Do When A Loved One Dies” »