Now what? After a spouse dies

Hello To all:

mine name is Linda and I am here to share my story of going thru the process of what you must do when your better half passes away. One is just know that you will need a circle of friends and family to go thru this life changing situation . After the major shock some what wears off than its time to get the wheels in motion. I have been very fortunate to have family that lives in the local area, and some close friends in the area as well. For starts you must be clear thinking to even begin the paperwork process, again that's why I am saying friends and family will be needed . I hope that the person who has passed on had all their legal paperwork in order. I have gone thru this process twice now as my husband dad has passed away in July of last year so I have been that done that. Yes two years in a row that I have lost family members. It was defiantly a eye opener. I was some what lucky that he had all his affairs set and ready to go when that day came. The V.A. was a lot of help taking care of the paperwork processed. And another good thing was that the funeral home handles a lot of the paperwork as well. So with that being said I learned the ropes in dealing with a huge life altering event. I also learned on how to be the best note taker around, yes I know today cellphones and laptops are great but I am old school in that I always have my notepad near by and ready to jot down all the needed information. Dates, Times, who I spoke to and if there is other phone numbers and name of other people that I needed to contact. Just know as well it will take time for all the paperwork to be processed, I am dealing with the life insurance company and it is truly a nightmare maybe its the company it self . I have so many channels to go thru to get it finalized and at times I feel they drag this process out a lot longer that need be. And if there is a pension plan be ready to go thru a lot to get that also transferred. So many people to contact when your better half passes away. Just remember to stay strong, grieve at well and just know that in the end if there is one that it will all come together sooner than later. Also have patience as well because even thou it is a human dealings the companies will still conduct business as usual, nothing really against you its just paperwork in the end. So there is my story in short and I hope that it can give someone insight to dealing with death and the paperwork.....