Part 1 of a 3-Part Series
The death of a minor child delivers the greatest possible shock. No one could ever prepare for the cascade of challenges that accompany such an event. Not only do parents in mourning face legal and financial challenges but they all come at a time of deep emotional crisis. Nevertheless, we can help. Death benefit resources go a long way to help ease the burdens that you and your loved ones face during this difficult time.
Countless authors write about the emotional, spiritual, and mental challenges that you will face when a child dies. These books discuss the way to navigate these challenges. The internet also provides a wealth of resources on these topics. We encourage you to seek out such help. This blog post focuses on the financial and legal aspects associated with managing a child’s death.
Life Insurance Death Benefit
Many families purchase life insurance to protect their income. This protects the family’s source of income which would otherwise end due to the death of the parent. In such a case, the family will not be left without financial support. However, few parents take the extra step of purchasing a life insurance policy for minor children. The death of a child is an unthinkable event. So, it is not surprising that most parents refuse to consider the prospect, let alone purchase a life insurance policy for the event.
Nevertheless, many good life insurance agents recommend that parents add an insurance rider on their life insurance policy which provides additional coverage for a minor child. These often cover funeral expenses, at the least. Such riders typically add minimal additional premium costs. And, as a result, most parents forget they exist. If you purchased a life insurance policy years ago which you still pay for, call your insurance agent. Ask whether the policy has an insurance rider providing coverage for a child. If so, these extra insurance funds offer valuable benefits to help ease the financial burden associated with a child’s funeral and burial costs.
Employee Benefits
If you discover no such benefits in your policy for a child’s death, reach out to your employer’s human resources department. Together, determine whether your employer offers benefits of this type. People are often surprised to learn that their employer offers insurance coverage for events to assist employees. Even if a formal insurance policy does not exist, employers (and even coworkers) may pitch in with the company and personal funds to help in a tragedy.
Many employers also offer benefits to assist with the costs of grief counseling. If your employer offers these, utilize them. That’s why they exist. A trained grief counselor may also offer valuable resources for helping you cope with loss. Additionally, many employers offer bereavement time. If such paid or even unpaid leave is available, use it. Your situation is exactly why your employer provides the benefit.
Check back next week, when we will publish part two in this three-part series.
About Skvarna Law in Glendora and Upland, California
Skvarna Law Firm operates offices in Glendora and Upland, California. We provide legal services. We cover San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties. This includes several cities. Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Colton, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Glendora, Claremont, Pomona, La Verne, Montclair, San Dimas, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Corona, Norco & Mira Loma. Visit SkvarnaLaw.com to learn more.
