THE PARTINGPOINT JOURNAL
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Explore articles on planning, costs, paperwork, and life after a loss. Free to read, with sources you can check.
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10 articles · Newest first
10 guides tagged First steps · clear
When Someone Dies at Home in Illinois: The First Six Hours
When someone dies at home in Illinois: who to call first, when the coroner is involved, the 24-hour cremation wait, and what can wait until tomorrow.
Read the guide →When Someone Dies at Home in Missouri: The First Six Hours
When someone dies at home in Missouri: who to call first, when the coroner must be notified, the cremation authorizations, and what can wait until tomorrow.
Read the guide →When Someone Dies at Home in Kansas: The First Six Hours
When someone dies at home in Kansas: who to call first, when the coroner is notified, the three-day certificate, the cremation permit, and what can wait.
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What to Bring to a Funeral Arrangement Meeting
Prepare for a funeral arrangement meeting with a practical checklist of information, documents, budget questions, and guidance for families in Missouri.
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What to Ask a Funeral Home: A Guide to Your First Call
Preparing to call a funeral home? Ruth shares five questions about next steps, funeral costs, services, and family wishes to help you get started.
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Is Embalming Required by Law in Missouri, Illinois, or Kansas?
Is embalming required by law? Almost never in Missouri, Illinois, or Kansas. What the FTC Funeral Rule says, and when refrigeration works instead.
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How to Talk to Your Parents About End-of-Life Plans
How to talk to your parents about end-of-life plans: openers that work, the objections you will hear, and the Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas forms to sign.
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Who to Notify When Someone Dies: A Practical Checklist
A checklist of who to notify when someone dies, ordered by urgency: Social Security, employers, insurers, banks, the DMV, credit bureaus, and the post office.
Read the guide →What to Do When Someone Dies: The First Hours and Days
A calm, step-by-step guide to what to do when someone dies — who to call first, the legal pronouncement, choosing a funeral home, and the first week.
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How to Choose a Funeral Home
How to choose a funeral home with confidence: the price list you are owed by law, what to look for on a visit, and how to compare two providers fairly.
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