Social Media – How should your death be announced? The advancement of technology has brought with it many questions that were never even considered only a few years ago. Laura Richardson considers how it can be used for announcing your death . . .

Nowadays it is not uncommon for people to announce milestones online via social media. Every day many of us use social media as a way to share the news with a wide audience, be it good news or bad. Examples of good news which is often shared on social media include announcing an engagement, a pregnancy, a promotion or a new house purchase. However social media is also a place where it is possible to announce sad or unfortunate news such as the end of a relationship, the loss of a pet, or an accident or injury. What you share on social media is an entirely personal decision. However, if you are considering announcing the death of a loved one on social media, you may be struggling to decide the best way in which to make your announcement. Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services have compiled some points which you may find helpful when making your decision.

  • Announcing a death on social media is a fast and efficient way in which to ensure that the news is spread amongst the necessary people. However, the news may also be viewed by those who did not know the deceased and therefore you might consider keeping your announcement fairly brief in the interim as you may wish to withhold certain details for the eyes and ears of close friends and family only.
  • You should strongly consider personally informing family and close friends of the deceased before posting an announcement on social media. Receiving the news of the death of a loved one via social media may be extremely shocking or more upsetting to those who were closest to the deceased.
  • The way in which you make your announcement is also extremely important. Many people check their social media updates throughout the day in public places or whilst at work, and whilst your announcement will always be saddening, introducing your announcement sensitively may help to lessen the blow. For example, you could state “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of a much-loved family member…” In this way, your followers will somewhat be forewarned before reading the remainder of the statement.
  • If you are not the closest relative to the deceased, then you should consider discussing your post with those more closely related to the deceased. For example, if your cousin passes away, you should consider that it may be more appropriate for an initial announcement to come from your cousin’s parents or any siblings your cousin may have had.

If you would like further advice following the death of a loved one, contact Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services today. We offer a free initial consultation in which we can advise you of the legal processes and necessary legal arrangements that will need to be made following a death. As specialists in this area of the law, you can be sure of a service that meets your needs legally whilst providing a sympathetic understanding of what can be a very distressing time.

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