The executor (testamentary)
The executor takes care of practical matters when someone has died. For example, he cancels the rent and ensures that debts are paid.
Registration of death
In the first instance, call the (on-duty) GP of the deceased.
This statement from the GP contains the general details of the deceased, including the date of birth and death. Take it to the funeral director.
This statement from the GP states the cause of death. Take it to the funeral director.
If necessary, also find a marriage certificate of the deceased and have these documents ready for the funeral director.
Find out who the deceased chose to arrange and conduct their funeral.
Contact the deceased's preferred funeral director.
The day on which the funeral can take place is determined by a statutory period, i.e. not within 36 hours and no later than 6 working days after the day of death.
With the A and B statement and the declaration form, the funeral director receives permission for burial or cremation. This consent form is required for the cemetery or crematorium.
Find out if the deceased has funeral insurance and/or other savings accounts
Funeral insurance
A beautiful farewell costs money; An amount of between 7,000 – 10,000 euros for a funeral or cremation is quite normal.
Find out if the deceased has a will and/or will and determine if the will will will be accepted.
A will, a living will or a written advance directive?
In a will, living will or written advance directive, you record your wishes and who is allowed to make decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so yourself.
What is a codicil?
A codicil is a handwritten document, dated and signed, with which you can leave items of emotional value to someone (such as jewelry, books, furniture, objects).
Report the death to the municipality's Civil Affairs Department. Usually the funeral director does this, but you can also do it yourself. The municipality issues the death certificate. Keep this record. You need these for many different purposes.
Find out if the deceased has indicated that they want to be a donor.
Organ and tissue donation
In the Netherlands, it is possible to donate organs and tissues to another patient after death. How this works is regulated in the Donor Act.
Inform family and friends and possibly the employer.
Special situations
Contact the insurance company in the event of death following a non-natural death (e.g., accident, euthanasia, suicide, or drowning).
In the event of death abroad, contact the travel insurance company and the Dutch embassy. You must also receive the death certificate from the doctor abroad.
Death abroad
Someone dies abroad. Who do you call first, what do you need to arrange, what papers do you need and who arranges for the deceased to be buried on the spot or brought back to the Netherlands
Care, clothing, reminder
Discuss with the funeral director what care is desired for the deceased.
Final care and laying out
The final care and laying out gives relatives the opportunity to say goodbye in a way that suits them. And to commemorate and cherish the life of this person, prior to the funeral.
Discuss with the funeral director what care is desired for the deceased.
Discuss with the funeral director whether a memory may be taken from the deceased, such as a lock of hair.
What can you do with your ashes?
When you are no longer there, there is little tangible left of you besides a life full of beautiful memories. Nowadays there are various options to use your ashes or a lock of hair in a commemorative product such as an ash ornament or a work of art made of glass
Laying out
Discuss with the funeral director whether, where and how the funeral of the deceased is desired.
Coordinate with the funeral director which coffin is desired for the deceased.
Where can I be buried?
There are several reasons why you may not want to be buried or cremated in a coffin.
Coordinate with the funeral director where, how and with whom the coffin of the deceased will be closed.
Coordinate with the funeral director who is wanted as a funeral visit.
Funeral arrangements
Does the deceased wish to be buried or cremated?
What are new ways of funeral delivery?
If passed, the bill is expected to pave the way for other ways of saying goodbye to our loved ones.
Does the deceased wish to be buried with certain possessions?
Choose a day based on the legal term.
Decide how family, friends and acquaintances will be informed.
(Public) notification
The death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional event, and it is important to inform those around us.
Decide whether a condolence register is desired, and in what form.
Collect addresses for sending funeral cards.
Decide whether to post an obituary and in which places.
Discuss whether, where and how a memorial service may take place.
What are funeral home ideas?
When you think of a funeral location, the first thing that often comes to mind is a gloomy auditorium or a standard funeral home. But actually, there are a lot of beautiful locations available to organize a funeral.
Decide which memories about the deceased can be used when saying goodbye.
Discuss whether special decoration is desired when saying goodbye to the deceased.
Which flowers at a funeral?
Flowers often play an important role in a funeral. A beautiful flower arrangement feels like a personal gesture to the deceased and the next of kin. Choosing the right flowers is therefore an important step in the grieving process.
Decide how the deceased will be transported.
Funeral transport: Almost anything is possible
Think, for example, of the bicycle, sidecar, boat and even for the mourning cow.
Decide what music will be played when saying goodbye to the deceased.
Which music is right for you?
Choosing the right music is important at a funeral. But why do we choose music in the first place? What is the added value? And how do you choose the right music for a funeral?
Decide who will speak at the farewell of the deceased.
Decide if a coffee table is desired.
The coffee table
The coffee table is a place where loved ones come together after the funeral. Where people can share stories and memories full of love and offer each other support. And where one person goes for a cup of coffee and a sandwich, another prefers to open the bubbles with strawberries.
Decide whether the farewell service should be photographed or recorded.
Would you like to give a reminder card to visitors of the farewell service?
During a funeral ceremony, the relatives of a deceased person are regularly burgled. Arrange for someone to keep an eye on your house.
Are there any relationships that need to receive a death notice?
Are relations not welcome at the farewell service?
The funeral
If your loved one had a pacemaker or iodine implant, please report this to the funeral director.
Which music is right for you?
Choosing the right music is important at a funeral. But why do we choose music in the first place? What is the added value? And how do you choose the right music for a funeral?
Which music is right for you?
Choosing the right music is important at a funeral. But why do we choose music in the first place? What is the added value? And how do you choose the right music for a funeral?
Think of making a toast to the deceased, singing a certain song, etc
What do you want to drink?
A funeral is a farewell and a toast to the life of the deceased. When organizing a dignified farewell, every detail is important. This also applies to the drinks that are served after the meeting.
What are we going to eat?
The right catering enhances the atmosphere and enhances the character of the funeral. On this inspiration page, we share unique ideas for a personal touch.
Remains
What should be done with the remains of the deceased?
What can you do with your ashes?
When you are no longer there, there is little tangible left of you besides a life full of beautiful memories. Nowadays there are various possibilities to use your ashes or a lock of hair in a souvenir product such as an ash ornament or a work of art made of glass.
Financial
This should be arranged as soon as possible after the funeral.
E.g. income tax return
Death and the tax authorities
As the next of kin of a deceased person, you will have to deal with the Tax and Customs Administration.
In some cases, you may need to arrange a certificate of inheritance with a notary.
Inform the bank, the pension fund, the landlord, etc.
If known, contact the deceased's life insurance company.
If known, contact the deceased's surviving dependants' pension fund.
Administration
Cancel subscriptions, memberships, and dues.
Sign in to postfilter.nl to avoid unwanted mail.
When it comes to the death of a loved one, you often have a lot on your mind. One of the things that requires time and energy is the mail of the deceased and canceling subscriptions.
Arrange matters related to the online legacy, such as closing e-mail accounts, online streaming services and social media (deleting accounts or setting memorial status).
Bequeath to charity
In the Netherlands, many people contribute to one or more charities every year. After all, it gives a nice feeling to do something for someone else or to contribute to a certain ideal.
Is there a car/motorcycle? Then write it in the name of the new owner within 5 weeks. In the event of the death of a registration holder, the new owner of the vehicle is obliged to transfer the registration certificate to his/her name within five weeks of the death.
House
Will a home be left behind?
Other wishes
How should the deceased's belongings be distributed?
Who will take over the care of any pets of the deceased?
Did the deceased have any other wishes?