If your loved one has passed away, and there were no advanced planning in place, you'll need to make the funeral arrangements as soon as possible. This can be a difficult process, especially if you weren't prepared for their passing. It's not easy to make arrangements for a funeral when you're dealing with shock and grief. Unfortunately, it's something that will need to be done. If you're not sure what to do next, here are five steps that will help you get started.

Gather a Support Group

Now that you're preparing the funeral for your loved one, you're going to need a support group. You may think that you can take care of all the arrangements by yourself, and that may be true. However, having a small group of close family and friends around will help you through those moments when you just need someone nearby.

Contact the Proper Authorities

Now that your loved one has passed away, you'll need to contact the proper authorities. This step is particularly important, especially if your loved one had life insurance. If your loved one passed away in the hospital, they'll make some of the contacts for you, such as the coroner and other officials. However, you'll still need to notify the Social Security Administration, your loved one's insurance company, and the Veterans Administration – if your loved one was a veteran. The Veterans Administration will help arrange for services that your loved one may be entitled to, such as a memorial flag.

Talk to a Funeral Director

The next thing you'll need to do is sit down with a funeral director. They're the ones who will help you arrange for the funeral services. They'll also provide you with a family counselor who will help you through the process. The family counselor is there to answer any questions you might have. They're also there to help you with things like the obituary, or the preparation of any memorial videos that you plan on using for the services. It's important to note that your family counselor will be there through every step of the process, even if you just need someone to talk to.

Arrange for Transportation

If your loved one passed away while they were out of town, or you're planning on having them buried in another city or state, you'll need to make arrangements to transport their remains. This is a crucial step that your funeral director can help you take care of.

Choose the Type of Service to Have

Once you've sat down with the funeral director, and made any necessary transportation arrangements, it will be time to choose the type of service that you plan on having. In most cases, you can choose between a private graveside service, a small memorial service, or a larger funeral service. Your funeral director and family counselor can help you choose the service that will best suit your needs, and the wishes of your loved one.

Contact a funeral provider, such as at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd, for more help.