What to Do When Someone Dies: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. In the midst of grief, you’re faced with a long list of urgent decisions, paperwork, and arrangements. It can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This guide is here to walk you through each step, offering clarity and support as you move forward.
Next Steps
- In the First 24–48 Hours: What to Do Immediately
- In the First Week: Notifications and Paperwork
- Planning a Funeral or Memorial
- Handling Legal and Financial Matters
- Digital Life and Legacy
- Caring for Yourself and Moving Forward
Step 1. In the First 24–48 Hours: What to Do Immediately
1.1 Notify close family and friends
Reach out to immediate family and trusted friends. Consider asking someone you trust to help you share the news—repeating it can be emotionally exhausting.
1.2 Obtain a legal pronouncement of death
If the death occurred in a hospital or care facility, staff will take care of this. If the person passed at home, call emergency services or their doctor to declare the death officially.
1.3 Contact a funeral home or crematorium
Arrange for transportation of your loved one. A local funeral home can help with this process, including filing paperwork and guiding you through next steps.
1.4 Secure property and belongings
Lock up the home, vehicle, and other property. Let a trusted neighbor or family member know so they can keep an eye on things.
1.5 Arrange care for dependents and pets
Ensure children, elderly family members, or pets are in safe, supportive care.
Step 2. In the First Week: Notifications and Paperwork
2.1 Request multiple copies of the death certificate
You’ll need these for banks, insurance, and legal matters. A funeral director can usually help you obtain them.
2.2 Notify their employer
Let the employer know about the death. Ask about final paychecks, life insurance, or other employee benefits.
2.3 Contact Social Security
You can notify the Social Security Administration directly, or your funeral director might do this for you. Ask about potential survivor benefits.
2.4 Reach out to insurance providers
Notify any life, health, or home insurance companies. Request claim forms and guidance on next steps.
2.5 Inform banks and financial institutions
Let the deceased’s bank and investment firms know. Ask about closing or transferring accounts.
2.6 Forward their mail
Visit your local post office to redirect mail to the person handling the estate.
2.7 Cancel or pause services
This includes phone plans, internet, streaming services, utilities, club memberships, and subscriptions.
Step 3. Planning a Funeral or Memorial
3.1 Check for pre-arranged plans
Your loved one may have made prior funeral or burial arrangements. This can ease decision-making and ensure their wishes are honored.
3.2 Choose a funeral home
Select a provider you trust to handle logistics, whether for cremation, burial, or a memorial.
3.3 Write an obituary
Share their story, legacy, and memorial service details through local newspapers or online.
3.4 Plan the service
Work with a celebrant or clergy member. Choose music, readings, and speakers that reflect their values and personality.
Step 4. Handling Legal and Financial Matters
4.1 Locate the will
If one exists, it may be stored at home, with a lawyer, or in a safety deposit box. Make sure it's the most recent version.
4.2 Identify the executor
The executor—named in the will—will manage the estate. If there’s no will, a court will appoint someone.
4.3 Begin probate if necessary
Probate is the legal process of settling an estate. A lawyer can help guide you through it.
4.4 Inventory assets and debts
List property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal items. Also gather information about debts like mortgages or credit cards.
4.5 Notify creditors and settle debts
Use the estate’s assets to pay off debts. You may also need to file a final income tax return and, in some cases, an estate tax return.
4.6 Distribute remaining assets
Once debts and taxes are paid, distribute assets according to the will or state law.
Step 5. Digital Life and Legacy
5.1 Manage online accounts
Decide which accounts to close, and which (like Facebook) to memorialize. Check their email for important updates or unpaid bills.
5.2 Cancel identification documents
Return their driver’s license, passport, and other ID to avoid identity theft.
5.3 Update property ownership
Change names on property deeds, car titles, and financial accounts to reflect the new ownership.
5.4 Create a keepsake
Collect meaningful items—photos, letters, journals, favorite recipes—and create a memory box or digital tribute.
Step 6. Caring for Yourself and Moving Forward
6.1 Take care of your mental and emotional health
Grief looks different for everyone. Lean on friends and family. Consider a grief support group or counselor if you’re struggling.
6.2 Make your own end-of-life plans
Use this experience as a reminder to prepare your own will, advance directives, and digital legacy.
6.3 Watch for identity theft
Place a death notice on their credit report to help protect against fraud.
6.4 Stay organized
Keep all important documents—both physical and digital—in one place for easy access.
6.5 Honor their memory
Celebrate birthdays, cook their favorite meals, or spend time doing things they loved. Grief and remembrance can go hand in hand.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but having a guide can make the path more manageable. Take each step one day at a time, and remember—you’re not alone.
If you have questions, or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
