Did you realize that there is a lot of paperwork involved when someone dies? There is, not only to complete when a loved one passes on, but also a lot to gather up when you must prove a death to receive benefits and such. If it is at all possible, you would probably want to have copies of all of these things in your files before a death occurs, but this is not always the case.

In order to collect any death benefits from insurance policies, Social Security or some other entity, you will need to provide proof that you are next of kin like a spouse and are authorized to act on the deceased's behalf as well as provide proof of their death. In addition, there are many other pieces of paperwork to have on hand for insurance and tax purposes as well. Here is what you should gather up to make the process of filing a little easier on you:

1. Death certificate - This is the first piece of paperwork and the most obvious when it comes to proving a loved one's death. You can obtain a copy from the health department in your county or possibly even the funeral director. If you are unsure about how to obtain one, you may also contact your local county courthouse or the hospital where your loved one died. They can point you in the right direction. Be sure to purchase at least ten official copies of the death certificate as some entities require originals rather than copies.

2. Marriage and birth certificates - If you are the spouse and the primary heir to the deceased's estate, you will have to show proof of your marriage. A copy of your marriage certificate can be obtained from the clerk's office in the county in which you were married. Birth certificates are needed not only for your deceased loved one but also any dependents of the deceased. Birth certificates can be obtained through the state or city public record offices where they were born.

3. Discharge certificate - If the deceased was an honorably discharged veteran from one of the armed forces, you will need a copy of the papers authorizing their discharge. These could help in obtaining any benefits from the government. A copy of the paperwork can be obtained from the National Personnel Records Center.

4. Social Security numbers - These are needed for the deceased, you (if you are the spouse) and any other dependents.

5. Federal income tax returns - You will need to show proof of the last filed tax return for any legal dealings in divvying up property and other assets. In addition, you will need the documentation that proves you have the authority to act on behalf of the deceased's estate.

6. The will - Chances are the deceased kept a copy of the will in their personal files but you will still need an original copy of it which can be obtained from the lawyer's office which drafted it up and filed it through the courts. The will is needed to provide proof of ownership of any assets is transferred to you and that you have the right to act on the deceased's behalf.

7. List of assets - Property, investment stocks and bonds, deeds to land, bank account information, personal possessions and more should be listed. This is needed, often in conjunction with the will, to divvy up the assets among appointed recipients.

The above listed paperwork could be just the tip of the iceberg where dealing with your deceased loved one is concerned. However, it is a good start and should see you through quite a few dealings.