Checklist
What to do when someone dies
If you're here because someone has died, we're sorry. This is a calm, step-by-step guide to what needs doing — and what can wait. Take it one step at a time; most of it is less urgent than it feels.
In the first hours
There is usually less rush than it feels. Take a breath. These are the only things that genuinely need attention right away.
Get a legal pronouncement of death
Someone with authority must formally confirm the death. If hospice or a care team is involved, call them first — they can pronounce death and tell you what to do next. If the death was unexpected or happened at home without medical supervision, call your local emergency number and follow their guidance.
Tell the closest family and friends
Reach the handful of people who should hear directly from you. You don't have to tell everyone at once. It's completely reasonable to ask one or two trusted people to help spread the word and field calls and messages.
Don't rush to move the body or sign anything
Unless a care team advises otherwise, there is no need to decide anything immediately. You do not have to choose a funeral home on the spot, and you should never feel pressured to sign a contract or pay for arrangements in these first hours.
In the first days
Once the immediate moment has passed, a few practical decisions and arrangements come into view. Lean on others where you can.
Check for any wishes or plans
Look for any written funeral wishes, a prepaid (preneed) plan, or instructions in a will. Knowing whether the person wanted burial or cremation — and whether anything is already arranged or paid for — guides everything that follows. Our planning-ahead guide explains what these documents usually cover.
Choose and contact a funeral or cremation provider
Choose a provider to care for the body and handle cremation or burial. You are entitled to an itemized price list under the FTC Funeral Rule, and prices for the same service can differ a lot, so it is fine to compare a few. You can compare local providers and use our cost estimator to get a sense of costs first.
Decide on the type of service
Decide what kind of arrangement fits — a traditional funeral, a simple direct cremation, or a memorial held later when family can gather. There is no single right answer, and cost is a fair thing to weigh. The cremation vs. burial guide can help you think it through.
Order death certificates
You'll need certified copies of the death certificate to close accounts, claim benefits, and settle the estate. The funeral provider usually helps you order these. Ask for several certified copies — many banks and agencies require an original, not a photocopy.
In the first weeks
The administrative side can wait a little. Work through it gradually, and don't try to do it all alone.
Notify employers, banks, and government agencies
Inform the person's employer, banks, pension and benefit providers, insurers, and the relevant government agencies. Each has its own process, and most will ask for a certified death certificate. Keep a simple list of who you've contacted so nothing gets missed.
Find the will and start the estate process
Locate the will and identify the executor or the person responsible for the estate. Depending on what the person owned, you may need to go through a probate process or work with an attorney to settle assets and outstanding debts. There is usually no need to rush this in the very first days.
Cancel accounts and subscriptions, and guard against fraud
Gradually close or transfer accounts, subscriptions, and memberships. Sadly, the deceased are a target for identity theft, so it's wise to notify the credit bureaus so their identity can't be misused. There's no need to do this all in one day.
Look after yourself and accept help
Grief is exhausting, and almost none of the paperwork is truly urgent. Let people help with meals, calls, and errands, and reach out for grief support if you need it. Be patient with yourself — there is no schedule you have to keep.
When you're ready to compare costs
Our cost estimator and guides explain what funerals and cremation actually cost, in plain language, so you can make an unhurried decision.
This checklist is general guidance, not legal, financial, or medical advice, and processes vary by location. For specific questions, contact the relevant authority or a qualified professional.