When the Call Comes: A Guide to Filing a Death Claim (and Why I’m Here to Help)Subtitle: Lessons learned from a personal journey through grief and the "business" of death.

Losing a loved one is overwhelming. I know this firsthand because I recently lost my mother, Sharon Bradshaw. As her only child and beneficiary, I suddenly found myself navigating the "business" of death while trying to process the hole left in my heart.

When you're grieving, even a simple form feels like a mountain. Today, I want to share a few things I learned "the hard way" to make it easier for my neighbors in Charlotte, Concord, and beyond.

1. You Don't Need 10 Death Certificates

This is one of the biggest myths. Funeral homes or legal guides often suggest buying 10, 15, or even 20 certified copies. At $20–$25 each, that adds up fast!

• The Truth: For most situations, you only need 2 certified copies. * Why? Most life insurance companies, banks, and even the Social Security office now accept high-quality scans or will return your original copy after they verify it. Don’t waste hundreds of dollars on paper you won’t use.

2. The Basic Claims Checklist

If you are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, here is all you truly need to get the process started:

• One Certified Death Certificate: (Keep your second one in a safe place as a backup).

• The Policy Number: If you can’t find it, don’t panic. As a licensed agent, I have tools to help you track it down.

• A Simple Claim Form: Each company has its own. They are usually only 2–3 pages long.

[INSERT IMAGE: Graphic about Sharon and navigating claims]

3. I Will Help You—Even If You Aren't My Client

Insurance isn't just my career; it’s my way of looking out for my community. If you are sitting at your kitchen table in Kannapolis or Salisbury with a stack of papers and you feel stuck, please call me.

It doesn't matter if the policy is with Allstate, another company, or if you don't even know where the policy was originally purchased. I will help you walk through the paperwork for free. I’ve been in your shoes, and I know that sometimes you just need a friendly voice to say, "Here is the next step."

Our Door Is Always Open

We are in this together. Whether you need to file a claim, review your own current coverage to make things easier for your children, or just need to know which documents are actually important, I am here.

📍 Office Location: 301 McCullough Drive, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28262 📞 Direct Line: 704-909-2994 📱 Claims Support: Text "Help" to 704-762-0687 📅 Coffee & Conversation: Schedule a Time to Talk

Losing a loved one is hard enough without the mountain of paperwork that follows. After recently losing my mom, Sharon, I realized how confusing the claims process can be when you're grieving.