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Legal Resources After Murder-Suicide Loss
After a murder-suicide, survivors often face legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities while also coping with profound grief. Understanding available resources can help reduce some of that burden. This page provides information about victim assistance programs, compensation, legal services, and practical guidance to help survivors navigate the next steps. Because laws and programs vary by state, always verify the latest information with the appropriate local agencies or legal professionals.
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First Steps include:
- Obtain copies of death certificate(s).
- Ask law enforcement about victim advocacy services.
- Learn whether your state has a crime victim compensation program.
- Find an estate attorney in your state, seek guidance for how to proceed.
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Check out our Resources for other types of support.
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Join our Online Support Groups where survivors share what they have been through, what frustrated them, or what worked for them.
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Contact us if you're a survivor and would like to speak with a member of our team to get tailored assistance.
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*MSLN does not give legal advice, for legal advice you should find a lawyer.
Understanding Your Rights as a Survivor
As a survivor of murder-suicide, in the United States, you are entitled to the same legal rights as a victim of a homicide and/or a suicide.
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You can search for "Crime Victim Compensation" through your state. These can help cover costs for mental health counseling, funeral and burial services, crime scene cleanup, and loss of financial support.
Victim Advocacy Services
Victim Advocates can provide emotional support, system navigation, safety, and resources. These vary widely by county so google "Victim Advocates [county] [state]" to see what resources are available.
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For other professional help use Psychology Today's Find a Therapist tool.
What to expect in the first 30 days after a loss
- The police and local victim services may reach out to you, or you might find it helpful to reach out to them for support or answers. Often, after a murder-suicide, police cases are closed quickly, and with no investigation, because there is no court trial. Sometimes survivors are left with no closure, no answers, to their questions about why or how this happened.
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- If your case involves ongoing legal proceedings, stay in touch with the local victim advocates to stay updated.
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- Check on the property where the crime occurred, we often hear that doors or windows need to be replaced so that homes and possessions can be secured.
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- It is not uncommon to be contacted by reporters, or have them arrive at the scene. You do not need to talk to them.
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- Funeral arrangements will need to be decided on. Some survivors want to have a service in private for their loved ones. Some survivors do not want funeral homes to post public obituaries or allow comments to be left online.
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- Once death certificates have been issued, some survivors find it healing to close or memorialize their loved one(s)' Facebook page(s).
- Contact your loved one(s)' insurance providers. Look for details about their rent/mortgage, car payments, and other bills. You can try to find keys to their car or safety deposit box.
- Review the estate plan for your loved one(s), also known as a will. Some people have an executor names in their plan, this is the person that can legally close accounts and notify bill collectors of their death.
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Remember: everyone's situation is different and has unique challenges. Reach out to us if you are a survivor and need support navigating your loss.
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What to expect - things that you might not expect
- Your loved one(s)' pets will need a new home. They will have food and medical needs throughout their lifetimes.
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- Travel to and from your home to your loved one(s)' home, and rentals can be costly.
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- You will likely have to decide what to do with your loved one(s)' belongings. You might decide to toss, sell, donate, or keep items. This can take a long time and be very emotional.
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- Check your loved one(s)' insurance policy, as some have a "suicide" clause that may reduce their payout.
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- It may be very difficult to go back to work after your loss(es). This is normal but can be difficult if it is out of your budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
