N.Y. Elder Law § 226: Guide to actions when someone close dies

§ 226. Guide to actions when someone close dies. 1. The office shall

publish a "Guide to Actions When Someone Close Dies". Within one year of

the effective date of this section, this guide shall be made publicly

available on the official website of the office and the office may also

produce a paper format.

2. The guide shall provide information in at least the following

domains:

(a) Economic security, including but not limited to, pensions, social

security, life insurance, health insurance, and death benefits. This

information shall also refer to the resources provided by the department

of taxation and finance regarding estate taxes.

(b) Legal, including how to access death certificates, wills, trust

documents and other legal information needed to plan for the future.

(c) Mental health assistance, including information on the grieving

process, triggers and symptoms associated with grief, effective coping

strategies, the impact on family dynamics in relation to the loss of

someone close, and other mental health concerns correlated with grief.

(d) Disposition of remains including funeral and service arrangements

and burials. This information shall refer to the resources provided by

the department of health's bureau of funeral directing.

(e) Other information as determined by the office.

3. The office may choose to seek consultation with and advice from

representatives from the following professions as well as any state

agency representatives, which may include:

(a) Funeral directors;

(b) Cemeteries;

(c) Mental health professionals with specific knowledge of grief

counseling;

(d) Attorneys specialized in estate planning, including the New York

state bar association;

(e) Tax professionals; and

(f) Clergy.