When someone dies, the surviving family must handle both emotional grief and practical tasks. The first 24-48 hours involve pronouncement of death, notification of family, and body disposition arrangements.
16 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Get a legal pronouncement of death — If death occurs at home, call 911 or hospice. A doctor, coroner, or medical examiner must officially pronounce death. If at a hospital/facility, staff handle this.
- Arrange for the body — Contact a funeral home to transport the body. If the deceased pre-planned, contact that funeral home. If not, choose one (you can comparison shop — funeral homes must provide...
- Notify immediate family and close friends — Designate one person to make calls or start a phone tree. Consider a single point of contact to reduce overwhelm.
- Locate important documents — Will, trust, life insurance policies, Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, military discharge papers (DD-214), bank/investment account informa...
- Secure the home and property — Lock the home, forward mail, arrange pet care, turn off unnecessary utilities/subscriptions.
- Notify employer — Contact the deceased's employer for any final paycheck, benefits information, and life insurance through work.
- Order death certificates — Order 10-15 certified copies through the funeral home or vital records office (see topic #819). You will need them for insurance, banks, Social Security, and legal procee...
- Contact Social Security — Report the death at 1-800-772-1213. Determine survivor benefits eligibility (see topic #822).
- Contact life insurance companies — File claims (see topic #821). Locate all policies including employer-provided coverage.
- Contact an estate attorney — If the deceased had a will, begin the probate process (see topic #817). The executor should be identified and begin duties (see topic #827).
2. Key Details
- Death certificates: Order 10-15 copies (each costs $5-$25 depending on state)
- Social Security death benefit: $255 lump sum for surviving spouse/dependent child
- Joint bank accounts: Surviving owner retains access immediately
- Bills: Continue paying mortgage, insurance, and essential bills from the estate
- Do not distribute assets until probate is started and debts are addressed
- Identity theft: Place a deceased alert on credit reports to prevent fraud
Common Mistakes
- Not ordering enough death certificates (you need them for every institution)
- Distributing assets before probate (creates legal liability)
- Not notifying Social Security promptly
- Paying the deceased's personal debts from personal funds (estate is responsible)
- Not securing the home and valuables immediately
Pro Tips
- Create a "when I die" file with key documents, account information, and wishe...
- A funeral home can handle many notifications and paperwork
- Ask for help — delegate tasks to trusted family/friends
- Wait at least 6-12 months before making major life decisions
- Check for multiple life insurance policies (employer, individual, mortgage, c...