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A Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with a Death in the Family in the Philippines

The death of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences any family can face. In the Philippines, where family ties and traditions run deep, the period following a death can be overwhelming not just emotionally, but also logistically. This guide aims to walk you through every step of the process, from the moment of death to the legal, financial, and emotional matters that follow. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden loss or preparing in advance, Forest Lake Memorial Parks is here to assist you in navigating this journey with clarity and compassion.

What to Do Immediately After Death

The first few hours after a death are often filled with shock and confusion. If the death occurs at home, it is crucial to contact a licensed medical practitioner who can pronounce the death and issue a medical certificate. In a hospital setting, this is handled by attending physicians. Once the death is confirmed, immediate family members should be notified.

It is during this period that contacting a memorial service provider such as Forest Lake Memorial Parks can be most helpful. Our team is on call 24/7 to provide assistance in body retrieval, preparation of remains, interment planning, and other arrangements. We offer dignified, complete funeral services designed to ease the burden on the family.

This section outlines the immediate steps you need to take when someone dies, whether at home, in a hospital, or under other circumstances.

1. Confirming the Death

A. Death Occurs in a Medical Facility

If the death occurs in a hospital or clinic, the attending physician will officially pronounce the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Death, stating the time, place, and cause of death.

B. Death Occurs at Home

    • Call the family physician or barangay health officer to pronounce the death.

    • A medical doctor is still needed to issue the Medical Certificate of Death.

    • If the person was under palliative or hospice care, this process is often pre-arranged with a provider.

C. Death Under Suspicious or Violent Circumstances

    • Immediately report the death to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

    • An autopsy may be required.

    • No embalming or burial may proceed without clearance from investigating authorities.

2. Obtaining a Medical Certificate of Death

This is the first and most essential document in the legal process.

Who Can Issue It?

    • Attending physician (hospital death)

    • Licensed physician who verifies death at home

    • Municipal health officer (for cases without a private doctor)

Details Included:

    • Name of deceased

    • Cause and time of death

    • Place of death

    • Certifying physician’s signature and license number

⚠️ Important: You cannot proceed to register the death, apply for permits, or arrange interment without this certificate.

3. Reporting the Death to Local Authorities

Under Philippine law (Civil Registration Law – RA 3753), all deaths must be reported within 30 days to the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) in the city or municipality where the death occurred.

Who Can File?

    • Spouse

    • Parent or child

    • Closest living relative

    • Hospital or funeral home (if authorized)

What to Bring:

    • Medical Certificate of Death (original and photocopies)

    • Valid ID of informant

    • Marriage or birth certificate (in some cases)

    • Authorization letter (if filed by a third party)

Where to File:

    • Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) – usually inside city/municipal hall

    • Office hours: Weekdays, 8AM–5PM

    • No online filing for deaths currently supported by the PSA

4. Time-Sensitive Considerations

Action Timeframe
Obtain Medical Certificate of Death Within a few hours of death
Register the death with LCRO Within 30 days
Apply for cremation permit (if needed) Prior to cremation
Inter burial (if without embalming) Usually within 24 hours
Request PSA-certified death certificate After registration (2–3 weeks)

Special Scenarios

A. Death Abroad

    • Must be reported to the Philippine Consulate in the country of death.

    • Certificate issued abroad must be authenticated (Apostille or DFA).

B. Sudden or Unattended Death

    • Subject to police investigation and possibly autopsy

    • Delays issuance of Medical Certificate until cause of death is confirmed

✅ Checklist: First 24 Hours

    • Confirm the death through a licensed medical practitioner

    • Obtain a Medical Certificate of Death

    • Notify close family members

    • Contact a funeral service provider

    • Begin reporting to barangay and civil registry (or funeral home will assist)

    • Collect documents and prepare IDs

    • Schedule embalming or cremation in accordance with local laws

 

Legal & Government Requirements

Every death in the Philippines must be legally registered with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) within 30 days. The family must secure a Medical Certificate of Death, which is a requirement for obtaining a death certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA-certified death certificate is needed for a host of subsequent transactions, including claiming benefits, transferring property, and processing insurance.

If cremation is chosen, additional permits from the local health office and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are required. For burials, a burial permit must be obtained from the municipality or city government. In the case of a death occurring abroad, the death must be reported to the nearest Philippine embassy and later recorded with the DFA and PSA.

1. Registering the Death

A. Legal Basis

Under Republic Act No. 3753 (Civil Registry Law), all deaths must be registered within 30 days with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where the death occurred.

B. Where to Register

    • Local Civil Registry Office (often located at the city/municipal hall)

    • Some funeral homes assist in the registration process on your behalf

C. Required Documents

    • Medical Certificate of Death (original and 3+ photocopies)

    • Valid ID of the informant (family member, hospital, or funeral staff)

    • Marriage Certificate (if spouse is the informant)

    • Authorization Letter (if someone is filing on behalf of the family)

D. Timeline

Must be registered within 30 days of death. Late registration requires an affidavit of delayed registration and additional documentation.

2. Securing the Death Certificate

A. Certified True Copy from LCRO

Once the death is registered, the LCRO will issue an endorsed and certified true copy of the death certificate. This document is required for all legal, financial, and insurance transactions.

B. PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) Copy

    • Submit the endorsed death certificate to the PSA for authentication.

    • You can request PSA-certified copies after 2–3 weeks via:
        • Walk-in at any PSA Serbilis outlet

        • Online through PSAHelpline.ph or PSA Serbilis (ecensus)

C. Fees

    • LCRO Certification: ~₱50–₱150 per copy (varies per LGU)

    • PSA copy (via walk-in): ~₱155 per copy

    • PSA online orders: ~₱365 per copy (including delivery)

3. Special Cases and Legal Requirements

A. Cremation

Before cremation, the following are required:

    • Certificate of No Objection to Cremate (issued by PNP or LGU)

    • Death certificate with stated cause of death

    • Approval from the city or municipal health officer

Cremation without these permits is illegal in the Philippines.

B. Death by Violence, Accident, or Suicide

    • Must be reported to the PNP or NBI

    • An autopsy or medico-legal examination may be required

    • Embalming or cremation may not proceed without clearance

C. Infant, Fetal, or Stillbirth Deaths

    • Stillbirths beyond 20 weeks or 500g must also be registered

    • Special forms and permits required by DOH

D. Death Abroad

    • Report to Philippine Embassy or Consulate

    • Secure authenticated foreign death certificate (with Apostille or consular seal)

    • File report with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and PSA upon return

4. Legal Identity Closure and Estate Preparation

Once the death is registered:

    • Notify relevant agencies: SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, DFA (passport), COMELEC (voter records)

    • Start gathering documents for estate settlement, such as:
        • Death certificate (multiple copies)

        • Marriage certificate

        • Land titles, bank records

        • Last Will and Testament (if applicable)

These will be needed for estate tax filing, property transfer, and claims (discussed in Section V).

✅ Quick Recap

Requirement Where to Process Timeline Notes
Death Registration Local Civil Registry Office Within 30 days Needed for all legal processes
PSA Death Certificate PSA (online or in person) 2–3 weeks Required for insurance/benefits
Cremation Permit PNP + Health Officer Prior to cremation Strict legal requirement
Autopsy Clearance (if needed) PNP or NBI Immediately For non-natural deaths


Funeral Planning

One of the first decisions to be made is the choice between burial and cremation. Forest Lake Memorial Parks offers services for both, with flexible packages that include embalming, chapel viewing, interment, and cremation. We also provide a special “Libre Burol” (Free Wake) service with interments done at our parks.

Government assistance can help ease funeral expenses. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) may provide burial assistance between ₱10,000 to ₱15,000. SSS members are entitled to a ₱20,000 funeral benefit, while GSIS and Pag-IBIG offer various survivorship and death benefits to qualified dependents.

Our parks offer a wide array of interment options, including lawn lots, columbarium niches, and estate lots. We coordinate all aspects of the funeral, from wake to burial, ensuring families can focus on grieving and honoring their loved ones.

1. Choosing a Funeral Service Provider

A. Types of Funeral Setups

    • Home Wake: Common in provinces and traditional households; requires embalming and tent setup.

    • Funeral Parlor Wake: Held in a chapel provided by funeral homes or memorial parks; includes amenities like air conditioning, viewing rooms, family rooms, and service staff.

    • Memorial Park Chapel: Newer parks like Forest Lake offer integrated chapel services, often within the cemetery grounds.

B. Services Offered by Funeral Providers

    • Body pickup and transport

    • Embalming and preparation

    • Casket and viewing setup

    • Chapel or tent rental

    • Mass service and interment coordination

    • Cremation (optional, if licensed)

    • Permits and paperwork assistance

C. Estimated Costs

Service Type Estimated Cost (as of 2024)
Basic funeral package ₱30,000 – ₱70,000
Mid-tier chapel service ₱80,000 – ₱150,000
High-end customized service ₱150,000 – ₱300,000+
Cremation (standalone) ₱15,000 – ₱50,000

💡 Some providers (e.g., Forest Lake) offer Libre Burol, a free funeral service benefit for families with interments at our park, covering pickup, embalming, chapel, and transport.

2. Interment Options: Burial vs. Cremation

A. Burial (Traditional)

Still the most common practice in the Philippines.

    • Where: Public cemetery, private memorial park, or family-owned land (with clearance)

    • Required Documents:
        • Death certificate

        • Burial permit from City/Municipal Health Office

        • Interment Order (from park or cemetery administrator)

B. Cremation

Gaining popularity for cost, convenience, and flexibility.

    • Required Documents:
        • Death certificate

        • Cremation clearance from the health office

        • No-objection certificate from PNP (for unnatural deaths)

Tip: If cremating, you may still hold a full wake with the body present before cremation.

C. Niches and Ash Interment

    • Ashes may be interred in:
        • Columbarium niches

        • Lawn lots or family estates (in urn vaults)

        • Home (if permitted by LGU)

3. Required Permits and Authorizations

Document Where to Get Needed For
Medical Certificate of Death Hospital or doctor Death registration
Death Certificate (certified) LCRO and PSA All funeral/legal steps
Burial Permit City/Municipal Health Office Cemetery interment
Cremation Clearance Health office + Police clearance (PNP) Cremation services
Transfer/Transport Permit Funeral home or health office Moving body across regions

4. Government & Institutional Assistance

A. DSWD Assistance

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offers burial assistance of ₱10,000–₱15,000, depending on assessment.

    • Requirements:
        • Death certificate

        • Barangay indigency certificate

        • Funeral contract and billing

        • Valid ID of claimant

B. SSS Funeral Benefit

The Social Security System (SSS) provides up to ₱20,000 to qualified beneficiaries or the person who paid for the funeral.

    • Requirements:
        • SSS death claim form

        • Death certificate (PSA copy)

        • Funeral receipts and contract

        • Valid IDs

C. GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and Others

    • GSIS provides both funeral and survivorship claims for government employees.

    • Pag-IBIG offers Provident Claims including death benefits for members.

    • Check each agency’s updated form and ID requirements.

✅ Checklist: Funeral Planning Essentials

    • Choose a funeral service provider

    • Decide between burial or cremation

    • Secure all necessary permits

    • Coordinate chapel and interment schedules

    • Prepare for religious rites and arrangements

    • Apply for government assistance if needed

    • Notify family, employer, and key institutions


Religious & Cultural Practices

Funeral customs in the Philippines are heavily influenced by religion and culture. Catholic wakes, the most common, involve nightly rosaries, novenas, and masses held over a period of three to seven days. Forest Lake chapels accommodate these spiritual practices, and we can also arrange for priests or lay ministers when needed.

Muslim traditions require burial within 24 hours, without embalming. Protestant memorials often focus on scripture and music. Indigenous traditions vary by group but can include special garments, chanting, and family rituals. Regardless of belief, Forest Lake ensures these traditions are respected and supported.

Filipino families also observe several post-burial rites. The 9th day prayer gathering, the 40th day memorial mass, and the 1-year Babang Luksa mark key stages of mourning. These gatherings not only honor the dead but provide comfort and closure to the living.

1. Common Filipino Funeral Traditions

A. Catholic Practices (Majority of the Population)

    • Wake (Lamay): Held for 3–7 nights, sometimes longer.

    • Rosary and Novena: Prayed nightly for the deceased’s soul, typically led by a lay minister or family elder.

    • Mass of the Resurrection: Final funeral mass before burial or cremation.

    • Blessing of the Grave: Performed at the cemetery by a priest.

    • Offerings: Food and cash (abuloy) are given by visitors to support the family.

B. Protestant and Evangelical Practices

    • Shorter wakes (1–3 days), often held in funeral homes.

    • Scripture reading, singing of hymns, and pastoral messages are common.

    • Services are often more informal but still reverent.

C. Muslim Burial Traditions

    • Burial within 24 hours after death, without embalming.

    • Ghusl (ritual washing) and Kafan (shrouding) performed by members of the Muslim community.

    • Janazah (funeral prayer) held at a mosque or open area.

    • Burial in a Muslim cemetery facing Mecca.

D. Indigenous and Ethno-Religious Traditions

    • Variations among groups like the Igorots, Lumads, or Tausugs.

    • May involve chanting, offerings to ancestors, unique clothing or casket materials.

    • Some groups keep the deceased in the home for days or weeks.

⚠️ Tip: Always consult religious leaders or elders for proper guidance in non-Catholic traditions.

2. Wake Etiquette and Social Expectations

A. Visitors and Guests

    • Wakes are open to relatives, neighbors, friends, co-workers, and even acquaintances.

    • Guests are expected to sign a guestbook and may bring food, flowers, or monetary donations (abuloy).

B. Dress Code

    • Modest, dark-colored clothing is appropriate.

    • In provincial areas, white is also an accepted color of mourning.

C. Dos and Don’ts

✅ Do ❌ Don’t
Offer condolences and prayers Make jokes about the deceased
Give a donation (abuloy) in an envelope Ask about inheritance or cause of death
Observe prayer times during rosaries Take selfies near the casket

D. Children at Wakes

Children are usually allowed, but families may perform pagpag (ritual of going elsewhere after attending a wake) to prevent bad luck from following them home.

3. Burial and Cremation Day Rituals

A. Day of Interment

    • The body is transported to the church for a final mass or blessing.

    • A funeral procession often follows, either on foot or by convoy.

    • Burial is accompanied by prayers and flower offerings at the gravesite.

B. Cremation Day (If Applicable)

    • May include a short mass or service before cremation.

    • Some families hold another ceremony when the ashes are interred or brought home.

🕊 4. Post-Burial and Mourning Period Traditions

A. 9th Day (Siyam na Araw)

    • Prayers and a small gathering to mark the 9th day after death.

    • Symbolizes the soul’s journey toward heaven.

B. 40th Day (Apatnapung Araw)

    • A more formal event (similar to a mini-memorial service).

    • Catholic tradition holds that the soul completes its transition by the 40th day.

C. Babang Luksa (End of Mourning)

    • Held on the 1-year death anniversary.

    • May involve a mass, meal, and lifting of mourning clothes.

💡 In many families, these rituals are not just spiritual—they are opportunities to reunite, share memories, and find closure.


Financial & Legal Considerations

Managing finances and legal documents after a death can be daunting. The first step is to determine whether the deceased left a Last Will and Testament. If so, the will must undergo probate. If none exists, the estate is distributed according to intestate succession under Philippine law.

Filing an estate tax return with the BIR is required within one year of death. Under the TRAIN Law, a 6% estate tax applies to the net estate value. Once taxes are paid, the BIR issues an Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCAR), which is needed to transfer property titles.

Accessing bank accounts and transferring property cannot proceed until the estate taxes are cleared. Banks freeze accounts upon notification of death, and real property cannot be sold or inherited without the proper documentation.

1. Settling the Estate

The estate refers to the totality of a deceased person’s assets, including land, houses, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and liabilities.

A. Check for a Will

    • If there is a Last Will and Testament, it must be probated (validated) in court.

    • If no will exists, Philippine law dictates intestate succession, which follows a legal order of heirs.

B. Gather Essential Documents

    • PSA-certified death certificate

    • Marriage certificate (if applicable)

    • Birth certificates of heirs

    • Certificate of No Will (if applicable)

    • Land titles, car registrations, bank passbooks, stocks, insurance policies

C. File Estate Tax Return with BIR

    • Required under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) within 1 year from the date of death.

    • As of the TRAIN Law (2018):
        • 6% estate tax based on net estate value (after allowable deductions)

        • Estates under ₱5 million with a single heir may qualify for administrative settlement

    • Pay estate tax and secure Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCAR) for asset transfer

📝 Important: No land or property can be transferred or sold without payment of estate tax.

2. Claiming SSS, GSIS, and Pag-IBIG Benefits

A. Social Security System (SSS)

    • Funeral Benefit: ₱20,000 (paid to whoever paid funeral costs)

    • Death Benefit:
        • Monthly pension for primary beneficiaries (spouse and minor children), or

        • Lump sum if no primary beneficiaries exist

Requirements:

    • PSA-certified death certificate

    • SSS E-6 or E-7 death claim form

    • Proof of payment/relationship

    • Valid IDs of claimant

B. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

    • Applicable to deceased government employees or retirees

    • Offers:
        • Funeral benefit (~₱30,000–₱50,000)

        • Survivorship pension or lump sum

    • Apply through GSIS office or eGSISMO portal

C. Pag-IBIG Fund

    • Death benefit from Provident Fund (MP1 or MP2 savings)

    • Funeral assistance for members with more than 24 months of contributions

    • Submit at nearest Pag-IBIG office with death certificate and valid ID of claimant

3. Insurance and Pre-Need Plans

A. Life Insurance

    • Check if the deceased held an active policy

    • Notify insurer immediately

    • Submit:
        • Claimant’s statement

        • PSA death certificate

        • Policy document

        • Valid IDs

Timeframe: Most insurers release benefits within 10–30 working days if no issues arise.

B. Memorial or Pre-Need Plans

    • Contact the pre-need provider

    • Present:
        • Plan contract

        • Death certificate

        • Plan holder’s ID or proof of ownership

    • These typically cover:
        • Casket

        • Chapel services

        • Interment or cremation

        • Wake setup

4. Accessing and Closing Bank Accounts

Banks will freeze accounts upon learning of the account holder’s death.

To unfreeze or transfer funds:

    • Submit death certificate

    • Certificate of settlement of estate (from BIR)

    • Valid IDs of all heirs

    • Bank-specific forms

If no estate tax has been filed, banks cannot legally release the funds—even to family.


5. Other Legal Considerations

Situation Action Required
Real property transfer Pay estate tax → get eCAR → submit to Registry of Deeds
Vehicle in deceased’s name Secure death cert + eCAR → transfer with LTO
Ongoing court case (if any) Notify legal counsel and judge of decedent’s passing
Guardianship of minors File guardianship petition in family court (if necessary)

✅ Checklist: Post-Death Financial & Legal To-Dos

    • Locate will or estate documents

    • Gather official certificates (death, marriage, land, etc.)

    • File estate tax return within 1 year

    • Process SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and insurance claims

    • Contact banks for account closure/transfer

    • Transfer titles and update land registry

    • Close utilities, online accounts, subscriptions, etc.


Emotional and Family Support

Beyond the paperwork and planning, grief remains a deeply human experience. In Filipino families, grief is often shared, with extended relatives offering emotional and logistical support. Still, each individual mourns in their own way, and it’s important to acknowledge and support that.

Religious leaders often serve as spiritual guides during this time, offering counseling and regular masses. Families may also seek help from mental health professionals, especially when dealing with prolonged or complicated grief. Hotlines such as the National Center for Mental Health’s 1553 are available 24/7.

In many households, death causes a shift in responsibilities. Guardianship of minors, care for elderly dependents, and changes in financial management must be addressed. Planning for these transitions early can help ease future stress.

1. Understanding Grief and Bereavement

Grief affects each person differently. It may include shock, denial, sadness, guilt, or even anger. In Filipino culture, grieving is often communal, but emotional support should also consider individual needs, particularly for children and older family members.

Common Filipino Attitudes Toward Grief

    • “Hindi dapat umiiyak nang malakas” (discouraging loud crying)

    • Belief that the soul must not be disturbed

    • Use of religious coping mechanisms (e.g., prayer, novenas)

    • Strong emphasis on family unity during mourning

💡 Reminder: There is no timeline for grief. Support must continue long after the funeral is over.

2. Sources of Emotional Support

A. Family and Close Friends

    • Primary support system in most Filipino homes

    • “Bantay” (relievers or companions) often assist the grieving family

    • Important to allow space for sharing memories and expressing emotion

B. Religious Support

    • Priests, pastors, or imams can offer counseling and spiritual guidance

    • Churches may assist with memorial masses, prayer meetings, or grief ministries

C. Grief Counseling and Helplines

There is growing awareness and access to mental health and bereavement support in the Philippines:

Organization / Service Contact Info / Access
National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) 1553 (24/7 hotline) or (02) 7-989-8727
DOH Mental Health Helpline 0917-899-8727 (Globe) / 0908-639-2672 (Smart)
UST GRIEF Management Program Through UST Graduate School Psych Dept
Online grief communities Grief support groups on Facebook, Reddit, etc.

🧠 Professional help is strongly recommended for survivors showing prolonged or severe symptoms of depression, withdrawal, or trauma.

3. Reorganizing the Family

Death often creates major shifts in the family structure—particularly when the deceased is a breadwinner or caregiver.

A. For Widows/Widowers

    • Access SSS survivorship benefits (if eligible)

    • Update property and bank ownership

    • Seek livelihood or community support if income is affected

B. For Children of the Deceased

    • Ensure guardianship and care (legal if no surviving parent)

    • Secure access to education and health records

    • Apply for dependent benefits under SSS/GSIS/Pag-IBIG if eligible

C. For Elderly Left Behind

    • Check if enrolled in PhilHealth or senior citizen programs

    • Engage barangay senior groups or church support ministries

    • Assist with daily living, legal transitions, and emotional support

4. Creating a Space for Healing

Long-term healing involves intentional efforts to commemorate, honor, and gradually accept the loss.

Ideas for Memorialization

    • Regular memorial masses (40th day, anniversaries)

    • Create a memory album or online tribute

    • Plant a tree or dedicate a bench in honor of the deceased

    • Visit the grave or columbarium regularly

Community-Based Support

    • Barangay chapels or parish grief groups

    • Work colleagues and friends can initiate support circles

    • School guidance counselors (for grieving children)

✅ Checklist: Emotional and Family Support Actions

    • Encourage open and healthy conversations about grief

    • Schedule pastoral or counseling sessions for family members

    • Assist minors and elders with adjusting to new guardianship/living setups

    • Maintain connection with supportive community and church groups

    • Consider professional counseling for prolonged or complicated grief


Practical Tools and Templates

To help ease the process, Forest Lake Memorial Parks offers downloadable templates and guides. These include:

Sample: Authorization Letter Template

I, [Your Name], authorize [Representative Name] to act on my behalf in filing, claiming, or securing documents related to the death of [Deceased’s Full Name].
Attached are copies of our valid IDs for reference.
Signed: [Signature]  
Date: [Date]

Memorial Planning Worksheet

Event Date Venue Notes
40th Day Mass [ ] [ ] Coordinate with parish
1-Year Anniversary [ ] [ ] Food, flowers, priest, invites

✅ 1. Death Response Checklist (First 48 Hours)

Task Status
Confirm the death and notify family [ ]
Call a licensed doctor to pronounce the death [ ]
Secure a Medical Certificate of Death [ ]
Contact a funeral home or memorial service provider [ ]
Register the death with the Local Civil Registry [ ]
Begin wake or funeral planning [ ]
Secure permits (burial/cremation/transport) [ ]
Request PSA-certified death certificate [ ]

📄 2. Sample Death Certificate Info Sheet (for Filing)

To be filled before going to LCRO or PSA:

    • Full Name of Deceased: ______________________________

    • Date and Time of Death: _____________________________

    • Place of Death: _____________________________________

    • Cause of Death (if known): __________________________

    • Name of Physician: _________________________________

    • Informant’s Name and Relationship: __________________

    • Informant’s Contact Info: ___________________________

Note: Keep 5–10 photocopies of the PSA death certificate for use in banks, government claims, insurance, and estate settlement.

🏦 3. Estate Document Inventory Template

Document In Possession? Notes
PSA-certified Death Certificate [ ] Yes / [ ] No  
Marriage Certificate [ ] Yes / [ ] No  
Birth Certificates of Children [ ] Yes / [ ] No  
Will (if any) [ ] Yes / [ ] No  
Land Titles and Real Property Documents [ ] Yes / [ ] No  
Bank Account Passbooks / Statements [ ] Yes / [ ] No  
Vehicle Ownership Documents [ ] Yes / [ ] No  
Insurance Policies [ ] Yes / [ ] No  

💵 4. SSS/GSIS/Pag-IBIG Claim Checklist

Agency Requirements
SSS Death Certificate, Claim Form, Receipts, ID of claimant, SSS number
GSIS Death Certificate, Service Record, Marriage/Birth Certificates, IDs
Pag-IBIG Provident Claims Form, Death Certificate, Membership Proof, Valid IDs

Make 3 sets of each requirement — for submission, safekeeping, and backup.


Final Thoughts

Death is never easy. But with the right information, preparation, and support, Filipino families can navigate these difficult moments with dignity and peace of mind. At Forest Lake Memorial Parks, we consider it our mission to guide you through every step of the way — from logistical arrangements to emotional recovery.

Whether you are pre-planning or responding to a loss, reach out to us. We are here to help you honor life, preserve legacy, and find peace.

Visit: www.forestlakeparks.com
Call: Your nearest Forest Lake park
Message: Facebook or Messenger for 24/7 assistance

Because peace of mind is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your family.

#ForestLake #MemorialCare #PeaceOfMind #FilipinoFuneralGuide #EndOfLifePlanning #ForestLakeMemorialParks