What to do when a relative or loved one dies

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The following are the steps to take when a loved one or relative has recently died (not necessarily in a particular order):

1. Get the death certificate: Get a death certificate from the doctor or hospital stating the cause of death.

2. Register the death: Inform the death to the local registrar in your state the required form along with the death certificate and other documents such as names and details of the deceased person’s spouse and children, documentation on the pension (if any) received by the deceased person

3. Arranging for the funeral, burial, cremation or last rites of the deceased: the bill for the simplest funeral can run to many thousands of rupees. Get a proper place for funeral (cremation or burial) in your city, arrange for a religious person if needed, and perform the last rites as needed.

4. Probating the will: Find the will if any left by the deceased and arrange for its probate or approval by the designated court

5. Paying taxes due: The beneficiary of the will has to pay any taxes due by the deceased

6. Transfer of bank accounts: inform the banks where the deceased has accounts to transfer them to the name of the beneficiary, by filling the required forms and giving a copy of the death certificate and other documents

7. Transfer of property: Arrange for Transfer of Property and other assets of the deceased

8. Claiming life insurance: Claim the life insurance and other insurance, if any, for the deceased

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