Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult experiences in life. In the hours and days that follow, it can feel impossible to think clearly, let alone handle the practical matters that need attention. Please know that it is okay to grieve, to ask for help, and to take things at your own pace.
This after death checklist is designed to gently guide you through the steps that need to happen after someone dies. You do not have to do everything at once. Lean on family, friends, or a trusted funeral director to share the load. When you are ready, use this guide as a roadmap so nothing important falls through the cracks.
Immediately After Death (First 24 Hours)
The first hours after a loved one passes can feel overwhelming. Focus only on what is absolutely necessary right now.
Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of Death
If your loved one passed away at home, call 911 or their hospice nurse. A medical professional must officially pronounce the death before anything else can move forward. If they passed in a hospital or nursing facility, staff will handle this step for you.
Contact a Funeral Home or Cremation Provider
Reach out to the funeral home or cremation service you would like to work with. They will coordinate the transportation of your loved one into their care and walk you through the immediate next steps. If you have not yet chosen a provider, ask a friend or family member to help you research local options. Many cremation providers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Notify Close Family and Friends
Call immediate family members and close friends. You do not need to notify everyone right away. Consider asking one or two people to help spread the word so you do not have to make every call yourself. A brief message or phone tree can be a huge help during this time.
Locate Important Documents
If possible, try to find the person's will, any pre-arranged funeral plans, and their identification documents. These will be needed in the days ahead. Check a home safe, filing cabinet, or a trusted family member who may have copies.
Within the First Few Days
Once the initial shock begins to settle, there are several important tasks to address in the first two to three days.
Obtain Certified Death Certificates
Request 10 to 15 certified copies of the death certificate through your funeral home or cremation provider. You will need these for insurance claims, bank accounts, property transfers, and many other purposes. Ordering enough copies upfront saves time and money later.
Make Funeral or Cremation Arrangements
Meet with your chosen funeral home or cremation provider to finalize the arrangements. Discuss the type of service you would like, whether that is a traditional funeral, a memorial service, a celebration of life, or a simple direct cremation. If the deceased left written wishes or pre-paid plans, bring those documents with you.
Contact the Deceased's Employer
If your loved one was employed, notify their employer as soon as possible. Ask about any remaining paychecks, benefits, life insurance through work, retirement accounts, or pension plans. Also inquire about any personal belongings that may need to be collected from the workplace.
Notify Social Security
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report the death. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, payments must be stopped. A surviving spouse or dependent children may be eligible for survivor benefits. Your funeral director can often file the initial notification on your behalf.
File Life Insurance Claims
Contact the insurance company for each life insurance policy the deceased held. You will need a certified death certificate and the policy number to begin the claims process. If you are unsure whether a policy existed, check old bank statements for premium payments or look through personal files for policy documents.
Within the First Week
As the immediate arrangements are handled, turn your attention to financial and legal matters.
Notify Banks and Financial Institutions
Contact every bank, credit union, brokerage, and retirement account provider where the deceased held accounts. Ask about the process for accessing funds, closing or transferring accounts, and removing the deceased's name from joint accounts. Bring a certified death certificate to each institution.
Contact an Attorney About the Will and Estate
If the deceased had a will, contact the named executor or a probate attorney to begin the estate settlement process. Even if there is no will, an attorney can help you understand your state's laws for distributing assets. Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation for estate matters.
Secure the Home and Property
Make sure the deceased's home is locked and secure, especially if it will be unoccupied. Adjust the thermostat, stop newspaper delivery, and ask a neighbor or family member to keep an eye on the property. Check that homeowner's insurance is current and notify the insurance company of the situation.
Redirect Mail
Visit your local post office or go to usps.com to forward the deceased's mail to a responsible family member. This helps you catch bills, account statements, and other important correspondence that might otherwise be missed.
Within the First Month
In the weeks following the death, there are additional administrative tasks to complete.
Cancel Subscriptions and Accounts
Go through the deceased's accounts and cancel memberships, subscriptions, and recurring payments. This includes streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, cell phone plans, and any other ongoing charges. Check bank and credit card statements for automatic payments you might not be aware of.
Transfer Vehicle Titles
If the deceased owned a vehicle, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer the title. You will typically need a certified death certificate, the current title, and identification. If there is an outstanding auto loan, contact the lender as well.
Update Property Deeds
For any real estate the deceased owned, work with an attorney to transfer the deed to the appropriate heir or into a trust. This process varies by state and may require going through probate depending on how the property was titled.
Contact the Credit Reporting Agencies
Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) of the death. Request that the deceased's credit file be flagged with a "deceased" notice. This helps prevent identity theft and stops pre-approved credit offers from arriving in the mail.
Choosing Between Cremation and Burial
If your loved one did not leave specific instructions, you may need to decide between cremation and burial. Both are meaningful options, and the right choice depends on your family's preferences, beliefs, and budget.
Cremation has become the most common choice in the United States, selected by over 60 percent of families. Direct cremation, which does not include a formal viewing or funeral service beforehand, is the most affordable option, with prices starting around $695 depending on your location. You can still hold a memorial service or celebration of life at any time after the cremation.
Traditional burial typically costs more due to the casket, embalming, burial plot, and headstone. The national average for a full-service burial ranges from $7,000 to $12,000.
If cost is a concern, or if your loved one valued simplicity, cremation provides a respectful and budget-friendly alternative. Use our directory to compare cremation providers and pricing in your area.
Important Documents You Will Need
Having the right paperwork on hand will make the coming weeks much easier. Gather as many of the following as you can:
- Certified death certificates (10 to 15 copies)
- Last will and testament
- Trust documents, if applicable
- Life insurance policies
- Bank and investment account statements
- Social Security card or number
- Birth certificate and marriage certificate
- Military discharge papers (DD-214) if the deceased was a veteran
- Property deeds and vehicle titles
- Recent tax returns
- Health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid cards
- Passwords or account access information for digital accounts
Keep these documents together in a secure location. You will reference them many times over the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many death certificates should I order?
We recommend ordering 10 to 15 certified copies. You will need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, property transfers, Social Security, and more. It is much easier and less expensive to order them all at once through your funeral home rather than requesting additional copies later.
How soon do I need to notify Social Security?
You should notify Social Security as soon as possible after the death. Benefits paid for the month of death or later must typically be returned. Your funeral director can often report the death to Social Security on your behalf as part of their services.
Can I still have a memorial service if I choose cremation?
Absolutely. Many families choose cremation and then hold a memorial service, celebration of life, or private gathering at a later date. There is no time limit on when a memorial can take place, which gives your family the flexibility to plan a meaningful tribute when you are ready.
What if my loved one did not leave a will?
When someone dies without a will, it is called dying "intestate." In this case, your state's intestate succession laws determine how assets are distributed, typically to the closest living relatives. Contact a probate attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Many offer free consultations.
Losing someone you care about is never easy, and the weeks ahead will bring both emotional and practical challenges. Remember that you do not have to handle everything alone or all at once. Take things one step at a time, accept help when it is offered, and give yourself grace during this difficult period.
If you are looking for an affordable cremation provider in your area, our local cremation directory can help you compare options and pricing so you can make a confident decision during an uncertain time.