What To Do When a Person Dies
Personal Experience Disclaimer This guide is based on personal experience and general public information. I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. Laws, probate rules, death certificate procedures, and estate steps can vary by state and by situation. When you need advice about probate, inheritance, disputes, debts, or legal rights, contact a licensed attorney, your local probate court, or the appropriate state or local agency.
| Done | What to do first |
|---|---|
| ☐ | If the death was unexpected or uncertain, call 911. If the person was on hospice, call the hospice nurse first. |
| ☐ | Get a legal pronouncement of death from the appropriate professional. |
| ☐ | Contact close family and the person named in any medical or legal documents. |
| ☐ | Choose a funeral home or cremation provider. |
| ☐ | Ask about the death certificate and order several certified copies. |
| ☐ | Gather important documents such as the will, insurance papers, Social Security number, and account information. |
| ☐ | Secure the home, pets, keys, phone, medications, and valuables. |
| ☐ | Start a written log of who you contacted and what each agency requests. |
What To Do When a Person Dies: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and it can be hard to know what to do first. This guide walks through the immediate steps, the first-day checklist, and the key records and contacts most families need.
First: Know Whether the Death Was Expected or Unexpected
If the death was unexpected, happened at home, or you are not sure whether the person has died, call 911 immediately.
If the death was expected and the person was receiving hospice care, call the hospice nurse first. Hospice staff can help with the legal pronouncement of death and the next steps.
Step 1: Get a Legal Pronouncement of Death
A legal pronouncement of death is usually made by a doctor, hospice nurse, emergency responder, or medical examiner. This is needed before funeral arrangements and most official paperwork can move forward.
Step 2: Contact a Funeral Home or Cremation Provider
Once the death has been officially pronounced, contact a funeral home or cremation provider. They can help with transportation, burial or cremation arrangements, and filing the death certificate.
Step 3: Order Certified Copies of the Death Certificate
You will likely need several certified copies for banks, insurance companies, pension plans, government agencies, and probate matters.
Step 4: Gather Important Documents
Locate the will, trust documents, advance directive, insurance policies, Social Security number, property records, and financial account details.
Step 5: Notify Family, Friends, and Key Organizations
Common contacts include close family, employers, Social Security, Medicare, insurers, banks, credit card companies, mortgage companies, landlords, and utilities.
Step 6: Secure the Home and Personal Property
Lock the home, care for pets, secure keys and identification, store medications safely, and protect vehicles and important mail.
Step 7: Check for Survivor Benefits
Look into Social Security survivor benefits, veterans benefits, employer life insurance, pension survivor benefits, and any union or membership death benefits.
What Not To Do Right Away
Do not distribute property before reviewing the will. Do not close all financial accounts immediately. Do not feel pressured into expensive funeral purchases without reviewing itemized prices.
- Where To Get Help With Death Certificates and Local Guidance
Use the USAGov State Health Department Directory to find the official health department for any state or territory.
Use the NACCHO Local Health Department Directory to find county and city health departments.
Helpful Resources
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