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Sample Death Notification Letter
What Is a Death Notification Letter?
A Death Notification Letter is a formal statement prepared by a relative, friend, lawyer, or executor of the deceased person to inform other people about their death, express condolences, obtain necessary documentation to put legal matters to rest, and invite the addressee to the funeral if they were close with the departed. Always completed in distressing circumstances, this letter must announce the death of the individual to their family, friends, employer, educational institutions, and authorities. You can download a Sample Notification of Death Letter through the link below.
How to Write a Notification of Death Letter?
Here is how you compose a Letter of Death Notification:
- Write a proper salutation and introduce yourself to the recipient . Indicate the purpose of the letter right away - you are drafting a note to inform them a certain individual has passed away. Depending on the nature of the letter, you might have to verify your identity, confirm the passing by enclosing a copy of the death certificate, and explain the reason for writing - for instance, you have been appointed the executor of the deceased individual's estate and you have the duty to notify their friends and colleagues about their passing.
- If you need to obtain documentation or access to the deceased person's private files and records, confirm their authorization by attaching a copy of the document that contains permission to handle their personal affairs - it is usually needed to gain control of the individual's finances. In case you are writing to a bank, you may request particular details about the bank account of the deceased person - its current balance and the information about the outstanding debts.
- If your letter does not pursue any formal goals and you simply need to inform the deceased's acquaintance, former colleague, or distant family member of their passing, express your condolences and assure the recipient they can take their time to grieve . If you are in charge of the funeral or you need to handle another legal matter in a short space of time, you can ask them to send you the required documents or information. Additionally, you may invite the recipient to the funeral in accordance with the wishes of your friend or client.
- Add your contact information to stay in touch with the letter reader - either you or the addressee may have to organize the funeral, so you need to be able to communicate.
Once you complete the Notification of Death Letter template, you may send it via traditional mail or email - the latter option may be more reasonable especially if you have to notify dozens of people at once.
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