What Support Is Available for Wrongful Death Families?

Losing a loved one to wrongful death creates overwhelming emotional, financial, and practical challenges. Fortunately, numerous support resources exist to help families navigate this difficult journey, from professional counseling to community assistance programs.

At Atlanta Auto Law, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys connect families with comprehensive support resources while handling the legal complexities. We understand that healing requires more than just financial compensation.

Professional Grief Counseling Services

Individual Therapy Options

• Trauma-informed therapists: Specializing in sudden loss
• Grief counselors: Certified in bereavement therapy
• EMDR specialists: Processing traumatic death
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: Managing grief symptoms
• Insurance coverage: Most plans cover mental health

Family Counseling Services

• Family grief therapy: Processing loss together
• Children’s grief specialists: Age-appropriate support
• Couples counseling: Navigating grief in marriage
• Sibling support: Helping children cope together
• Multi-generational therapy: Including grandparents

Atlanta Area Counseling Resources

• The Link Counseling Center: (404) 256-9797
• CHRIS 180: (404) 486-9090
• Jewish Family & Career Services: (770) 677-9300
• Catholic Charities Atlanta: (404) 920-7900
• Grady Hospital Trauma Services: (404) 616-1000

Support Groups for Grieving Families

General Grief Support Groups

• The Compassionate Friends: Parents who lost children
• GriefShare: Faith-based grief recovery
• Bereaved Parents USA: Peer support network
• Healing After Loss: Weekly support meetings
• Hope for Widows/Widowers: Spousal loss support

Specific Loss Support Groups

• MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving victims
• POMC: Parents of Murdered Children
• Survivors of Suicide Loss: If death involved suicide
• Workplace death support: Occupational fatality families
• Motor vehicle death groups: Traffic accident losses

Online Support Communities

• Open to Hope: Online forums and resources
• What’s Your Grief: Educational platform
• Grief.com: David Kessler’s resource center
• Reddit r/GriefSupport: Anonymous peer support
• Facebook groups: Specific to loss type

Financial Assistance Programs

Government Benefits

• Social Security survivors benefits: Monthly payments
• Veterans benefits: If deceased was veteran
• Crime Victims Compensation: If death was criminal
• TANF: Temporary assistance for families
• SNAP/Food stamps: Food assistance

Charitable Organizations

• United Way 211: Connects to local resources
• Salvation Army: Emergency assistance
• St. Vincent de Paul: Utility and rent help
• Local churches: Benevolence funds
• GoFundMe: Crowdfunding for families

Funeral Assistance

• FEMA funeral assistance: COVID-related deaths
• County indigent burial programs: Low-income families
• Children’s Burial Assistance: Under 12 years old
• Funeral home payment plans: Extended arrangements
• Memorial society discounts: Reduced costs

Legal Support Services

Free Legal Resources

• Free consultations: Most wrongful death attorneys
• Contingency fees: No upfront payment required
• Legal aid societies: Pro bono services
• Law school clinics: Supervised student help
• Bar association referrals: Reduced-fee attorneys

Estate Administration Help

• Probate court assistance: Self-help centers
• Estate planning attorneys: Managing inheritance
• Financial advisors: Settlement management
• Tax professionals: Estate tax guidance
• Trust services: Protecting minor’s inheritance

Practical Daily Support

Household Assistance

• Meal trains: Community-organized food delivery
• House cleaning services: Volunteer or donated
• Yard work help: Neighborhood assistance
• Home repairs: Skilled volunteer labor
• Transportation assistance: Rides to appointments

Childcare Support

• Emergency childcare: During legal proceedings
• After-school programs: Extended care options
• Summer camps: Grief-specific programs
• Tutoring services: Academic support
• Big Brothers/Sisters: Mentorship programs

Specialized Support for Children

Children’s Grief Programs

• Kate’s Club: Atlanta-based children’s grief support
• Camp Good Mourning: Weekend grief camps
• Art therapy programs: Creative expression
• Play therapy: For younger children
• School counselors: On-site support

Educational Support

• Scholarship programs: For children of deceased
• College planning assistance: Financial aid guidance
• Educational advocates: IEP/504 plan support
• Grief-informed teachers: School collaboration
• Peer support groups: School-based programs

Long-Term Recovery Resources

Anniversary and Holiday Support

• Special event groups: Getting through milestones
• Memorial planning help: Anniversary remembrances
• Holiday survival workshops: Coping strategies
• Birthday support: Honoring deceased’s birthday
• Candle lighting ceremonies: Community remembrance

Rebuilding Life Programs

• Career counseling: Re-entering workforce
• Job training programs: New skill development
• Dating after loss groups: When ready
• Financial literacy classes: Managing alone
• Home maintenance workshops: DIY skills

Online and Digital Resources

Apps for Grief Support

• Grief Works: Self-help exercises
• Sanvello: Mood tracking and coping
• Headspace: Grief meditation programs
• BetterHelp: Online therapy access
• My Grief Angels: Daily support messages

Educational Websites

• Center for Loss: Alan Wolfelt resources
• Dougy Center: Children’s grief resources
• National Alliance for Grieving Children
• Association for Death Education
• Tragedy Assistance Program: Military families

Creating Your Support Network

Building Your Team

1. Identify needs: Emotional, practical, financial
2. Accept help: Let others support you
3. Delegate tasks: Share responsibilities
4. Communicate clearly: Tell people what helps
5. Set boundaries: Protect your energy

Professional Support Team

• Grief counselor: Emotional processing
• Attorney: Legal representation
• Financial advisor: Settlement management
• Primary care doctor: Physical health
• Spiritual advisor: Faith support

Self-Care Strategies

Physical Wellness

• Regular exercise: Gentle movement helps
• Proper nutrition: Maintaining health
• Sleep hygiene: Managing insomnia
• Medical check-ups: Monitoring stress impact
• Medication management: If needed

Emotional Wellness

• Journaling: Processing feelings
• Creative expression: Art, music, writing
• Nature time: Outdoor healing
• Mindfulness practice: Present moment focus
• Social connection: Maintaining relationships

When to Seek Additional Help

Warning Signs

• Thoughts of self-harm
• Inability to function daily
• Substance abuse
• Prolonged isolation
• Severe depression or anxiety

Crisis Resources

• 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• 911: Immediate danger
• Hospital ER: Mental health crisis
• Mobile crisis units: Come to you

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should we wait before seeking counseling?

There’s no waiting period required. Many families benefit from immediate support, while others need time. Trust your instincts about when you’re ready for professional help.

Are support services expensive?

Many services are free or low-cost. Insurance often covers counseling, support groups are typically free, and many organizations offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

How do we help children who won’t talk about the death?

Children process grief differently. Play therapy, art therapy, and specialized children’s grief programs can help them express feelings non-verbally. Be patient and available when they’re ready.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Losing a loved one to wrongful death is devastating, but comprehensive support is available. From professional counseling to practical assistance, numerous resources exist to help your family heal and rebuild.

Contact Atlanta Auto Law to learn about support resources while we handle your legal case. We’ll connect you with appropriate services, coordinate assistance programs, and ensure you have the comprehensive support needed during this difficult journey. You’re not alone.

Related Resources:

• Comprehensive Wrongful Death Legal Support
• Understanding the Legal Timeline
• Financial Recovery for Families