After the funeral: essential steps and support for moving forward

Losing a loved one is never easy, and while planning a funeral may be the first thing on your mind after their passing, the period after the funeral can be just as challenging. But don’t worry — you don’t have to navigate it alone. Anton Brown Funerals is here for you every step of the way.

To help you manage the important tasks that need attention in the days, weeks, and months after the funeral, we’ve created a simple checklist to guide you through the post-funeral period.

What to do after a funeral: important considerations

When the funeral service is over, life feels like it’s paused for a moment. However, there are practical matters to attend to, some of which can feel overwhelming. Take it one step at a time with this checklist:

1. Take care of immediate legal and financial matters

After a loved one passes, a few legal and financial steps need to be addressed. These include:

• Register the death: the funeral director at Anton Brown Funerals will handle the death registration by completing a Queensland Government Death Registration Form. We’ll need some personal details about the deceased to complete this. For more information, check out: Registering a death: 6 FAQ’s answered.
• Obtain the death certificate: Anton Brown Funerals also takes care of applying for the death certificate while registering the death. For more information, refer to: How to obtain a Queensland death certificate.
• Notify the relevant government bodies: You will need to contact Centrelink and Medicare to update them on your loved one’s passing. This will ensure their pension and health coverage are correctly adjusted.
• Begin the will process: if your loved one had a will, the executor will need to start managing the estate. This includes settling any debts, distributing assets, and filing taxes.

2. Handle the after funeral wake

If you hosted an after funeral wake, it’s a great time to reflect on the service with family and friends. However, you may need to handle some practical tasks after the event itself, like:

• Thank you cards: it’s a thoughtful gesture to send thank you cards to those who attended the wake or funeral and those who provided support. Whether you write a handwritten note or use an online service, it’s a nice way to express gratitude.
• Return borrowed items: don’t forget to return any borrowed items, such as floral arrangements, candelabras, or ceremonial items.

Taking care of yourself and allowing time to rest is also important. While the wake marks the end of the funeral process, it’s essential to give yourself and your family members time to grieve and heal.

3. Post funeral tasks – organise personal belongings

Sorting through the personal belongings of a loved one can be one of the hardest parts of post-death care. Here are some things to think about as you begin this process:

• Sort through the home: If you’ve inherited a home or need assistance clearing out your loved one’s personal items, creating an inventory list is helpful. This will help you keep track of important items, like jewellery, paperwork, or family heirlooms.
• Notify important parties: in addition to Centrelink and Medicare, consider contacting your loved one’s bank, insurance company, and utility providers. They may need to be notified of the death to cancel or transfer accounts.

4. Organise online memorials and tributes

If you’re planning to hold a memorial, a dedication, or any kind of lasting tribute, now is the time to start thinking about it. This could be:

• Setting up a memorial fund: if your loved one had a charity they were passionate about, consider setting up a memorial fund or making donations in their name. For more, please read: Funeral donations: an alternative gift for a worthy cause.
• Creating a memory box or online tribute: some families create online memorials where friends and family can share photos, memories, and stories. Others prefer to keep a physical memory box with photos, keepsakes, or letters. Refer to: Online memorial: a digital solution for remembering a loved one.

5. Post-death care: take care of yourself

After the funeral, it’s easy to forget about caring for your own well-being. Remember that grief is a process that doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

• Consider grief counselling: if you feel overwhelmed by grief, talking to a professional can help you process the loss. Many counsellors in Queensland specialise in grief therapy and can provide valuable support.
• Lean on your support network: in the weeks and months after the funeral, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family for support. You don’t need to do everything alone.

Please refer to our resources:

• Support groups for grief to help you heal
• Coping With Grief and Local Support Services for those Struggling with Loss
• Funeral services: support services and resources for our families
• Mourning mindfulness: strategies and healing tools for coping and recovery

After a funeral: know that you’re not alone

While taking care of all the logistics after a funeral is important, it’s also essential to remember that grieving doesn’t end after the funeral service. Take it one day at a time, and know that Anton Brown Funerals is always here to support you. While we can’t handle everything post-funeral for you, we are just a phone call away if you need guidance.

After the funeral: essential steps and support for moving forward

At Anton Brown Funerals, we pride ourselves on offering families support from start to finish. We’re always available to guide every stage of the funeral process and beyond. Our team is here to help you navigate the post-funeral steps with compassion and care.

If you need assistance with anything after the funeral, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re only a phone call away.