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Checklist: What To Do After Someone Dies

The following steps outline many of the most critical steps to take after someone dies.

  • Contact Emergency Services or On-Call Medical Personnel: In the absence of authorized medical professionals, initiate a call to 911. Depending on the circumstances, emergency services may dispatch personnel to the location, or they may guide you through the process of recording essential information over the phone.
  • Notify the Attending Physician or Hospice Provider: If the deceased was under the care of a physician or hospice provider, contact them promptly. These professionals can either dispatch someone to the location or guide you through the necessary steps, alleviating the need for emergency services in certain cases. Some organizations, such as hospice, have protocols in place to manage the situation without involving 911.

  • Verification of Death: If emergency services or medical personnel are dispatched to the location, they will verify the death. This involves confirming the absence of vital signs, such as pulse and breathing. If the death occurs under the care of a physician or hospice provider, they may confirm the death remotely or dispatch personnel if necessary.
  • Pronouncement of Death: Once the death is verified, a formal pronouncement of death is made. This can be done by the attending physician, hospice nurse, or authorized medical personnel. The pronouncement is a crucial step in the legal recognition of the death.
  • Documentation and Paperwork: The authorized personnel will initiate the documentation process. This includes completing a death certificate, noting the cause of death, and gathering relevant information. If the death occurs at home, the attending physician or hospice provider may guide family members through providing necessary details.

  • Following Donation Wishes: If the deceased wished to donate organs or body to medical research, contact the relevant organizations to follow through on their wishes.
  • Handling Documentation: Ensure that all necessary documentation and procedures are followed for organ or body donation.

  • Contacting a Funeral Home or Mortuary: Select and contact a funeral home or mortuary to arrange for the transfer of the body from the place of death to their facility. The deceased may have made pre-arrangements, including payment, for the funeral.
  • The Logistics: The funeral home will guide you through the process, including the necessary paperwork and legal requirements.
  • Transportation Arrangements: The chosen funeral home will typically handle the logistics of transporting the body. This can include moving the body from a hospital, nursing home, or private residence to the funeral home. In some cases, special transportation arrangements might be needed if the death occurred far from the place where final arrangements will be made.
  • Documentation and Permits: The funeral home will assist in obtaining any required permits for the transfer of the body. This includes completing death certificates and any other necessary documentation.
  • Respecting Cultural or Religious Practices: It is important to consider and respect any cultural or religious practices related to the handling and transfer of the body. Communicate any specific wishes or requirements to the funeral home.

  • Maintaining Records: Keep track of all property, income, debts, and expenses incurred by the estate.
  • Organizing Correspondence: Keep copies or a list of all correspondence on behalf of the estate.

  • Immediate Security Measures: Ensure that the deceased’s residence is secure by checking that all doors and windows are locked.
  • Safeguarding Valuables and Documents: Locate and secure valuable items such as jewelry, legal documents, and financial records.
  • Inventory of Personal Property: Create a detailed inventory of the deceased’s personal property.
  • Dealing with Mail and Deliveries: Establish a temporary plan to manage the deceased’s mail to prevent accumulation and potential security risks.

  • The Importance of Personal Communication: Notifying family and friends about the death is a sensitive and important task.
  • Create a Notification Plan: Start by making a list of family members, close friends, and significant acquaintances.
  • Personalized Approach: Opt for direct phone calls or in-person meetings for close relatives and friends. For more distant acquaintances, emails or letters may be appropriate.
  • Providing Details and Support: Offer information about any upcoming memorial services, funerals, or gatherings and provide resources for grief support if needed.

  • Understanding the Purpose: An obituary serves as a formal announcement of the person’s death and provides key information about their life and upcoming services.
  • Gathering Information: Collect important details about the deceased’s life and upcoming services.
  • Writing the Obituary: Draft a respectful and heartfelt tribute.
  • Review and Edit: Have family members review the obituary for accuracy and inclusiveness.
  • Choosing Publication Outlets: Decide where to publish the obituary and understand submission guidelines and costs.

  • Why This Matters: A Last Will and Testament outlines the deceased’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and may appoint an executor to manage the estate.
  • Locating the Will: Begin by searching the deceased’s personal documents, safe deposit boxes, or consult their attorney.
  • Validity and Originality: Ensure the will meets state legal requirements for validity and confirm it’s the most recent and original document.
  • Role of the Executor: If a will exists, identify the appointed executor responsible for managing the estate’s affairs.

  • Assessing Immediate Needs: Identify all dependents of the deceased and assess their immediate needs for care, support, and stability.
  • Reviewing Legal Arrangements: Check the deceased’s will or other legal documents for any specified arrangements or guardianship plans.
  • Temporary Care Arrangements: If immediate family or designated guardians are not available, arrange temporary care.
  • Long-term Planning: Initiate discussions about long-term care arrangements and financial planning to support the dependents’ future needs.
  • Support and Counseling: Arrange counseling or support services for dependents to help them cope with the loss.

  • Understanding the Immediate Needs: Ensure that the deceased’s pets have food, water, and a safe environment.
  • Checking for Instructions: Look for any pet care instructions left by the deceased.
  • Temporary Care Solutions: Arrange for temporary care with friends, family, or a pet boarding service.
  • Seeking a Permanent Home: Find a suitable long-term home for the pets.
  • Health and Legal Considerations: Schedule a vet check-up and legally transfer ownership to the new caretaker.

  • Recognizing the Importance: Documenting and logging sympathy cards and condolences helps acknowledge support and offers a way to thank those who reached out.
  • Setting Up a Logging System: Create a system to log cards and messages received.
  • Organizing the Cards and Messages: Keep all sympathy cards and messages in a designated place.
  • Responding to Sympathy Expressions: Consider sending thank you notes for particularly heartfelt or significant condolences.
  • Preserving the Sentiments: Create a memorial scrapbook or digital archive of the sympathy cards and messages.

  • Significance of Notification: Informing religious institutions or spiritual advisors is important for spiritual and practical reasons.
  • Identifying Religious Affiliations: Determine the deceased’s significant religious institutions or spiritual advisors.
  • Respectful Communication: Reach out respectfully, often via phone call or personal visit.
  • Discussing Memorial Services: Communicate the deceased’s wishes regarding religious rites or ceremonies.
  • Seeking Spiritual Support: Discuss how they can assist in coping with the loss.

  • Honoring the Deceased’s Wishes: Check for any specific instructions regarding the funeral, burial, or other end-of-life preferences.
  • Selecting a Funeral Service Provider: Choose a reputable funeral home or service provider.
  • Deciding on Funeral and Burial Details: Plan the type of service, location, and any religious or cultural practices to be included.
  • Notifying Friends and Family: Inform friends and family about the arrangements.
  • Handling Financial Aspects: Assess the costs and check for any pre-paid plans or funeral insurance.

  • Purpose of Document Collection: Gather important documents to understand the deceased’s financial situation, legal obligations, and personal wishes.
  • Key Documents to Gather: Look for insurance policies, property deeds, vehicle titles, investment records, pension or retirement account information, and any pre-arranged funeral or burial plans.
  • Locating Documents: Check personal files, safe deposit boxes, or consult the attorney or financial advisor.
  • Organizing and Securing the Documents: Organize documents systematically and keep them in a secure location.

  • Locating Safe Deposit Boxes: Identify any safe deposit boxes owned by the deceased.
  • Accessing Contents: Follow legal procedures to access and handle the contents of the safe deposit boxes.

  • Notifying Employers & Business Associates: Inform the deceased’s employer to discuss final paycheck or benefits and return company-owned property.
  • Handling Employment Benefits: Inquire about benefits due to the estate or beneficiaries.
  • Informing Schools: Notify schools of any dependents about the death to ensure necessary support.

  • Compiling a List of Organizations: Identify organizations the deceased was affiliated with.
  • Drafting a Notification: Prepare a respectful notification with relevant details.
  • Contacting Each Organization: Inform organizations of the passing and inquire about memorial acknowledgments.

  • Reviewing the Plans: Carefully review the deceased’s documented wishes regarding their final resting place.
  • Arranging Services: Organize and confirm details for the burial, cremation, or other final arrangements as specified by the deceased.
  • Coordinating with Service Providers: Work with funeral homes, cemeteries, or crematoriums to ensure the final arrangements are carried out as planned.

  • Returning to the Residence: Address perishable items, attend to plants, and conduct a thorough check.
  • Disposing of Perishable Items: Remove perishable items from the home.
  • Thorough Residence Check: Ensure the home is in a safe and orderly condition.
  • Securing Personal Belongings: Secure personal belongings of sentimental or financial value.
  • Documenting and Organizing: Take inventory of important finds and document them.

  • Purpose of Document Collection: Gather important documents to understand the deceased’s financial situation, legal obligations, and personal wishes.
  • Key Documents to Gather: Look for insurance policies, property deeds, vehicle titles, investment records, pension or retirement account information, and any pre-arranged funeral or burial plans.
  • Locating Documents: Check personal files, safe deposit boxes, or consult the attorney or financial advisor.
  • Organizing and Securing the Documents: Organize documents systematically and keep them in a secure location.

  • Identifying Agencies to Notify: Determine which federal agencies need to be informed about the death. Common agencies include the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if the deceased was a veteran, and the U.S. Passport Agency.
  • Notifying Social Security Administration (SSA): Contact the SSA to report the death, as this will affect benefits, including stopping Social Security payments. Funeral homes often report the death to SSA, but it’s important to confirm this has been done.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): If the deceased was a veteran, notify the VA. Veterans may be eligible for burial and memorial benefits, and notifying the VA is crucial for accessing these services.
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Inform the IRS of the death for tax purposes. This is essential for handling the deceased’s final tax return and addressing any potential estate taxes.
  • U.S. Passport Agency: Report the death to the U.S. Passport Agency to invalidate the deceased’s passport, preventing identity theft and misuse.
  • Providing Documentation: In most cases, you’ll need to provide a copy of the death certificate. Each agency will have specific requirements and forms to fill out, so it’s important to inquire about the exact process and documentation needed.

  • Identifying Benefits: Contact current and former employers to determine if any employee benefits are due.
  • Gathering Information: These benefits may include life insurance, pension benefits, retirement savings plans, stock plans, and accrued salary/vacation pay.
  • Consulting with a Financial Planner: Understand the tax consequences and consider consulting with a financial planner before making distribution elections.

  • Identifying Policies: Review the deceased’s documents to identify the existence of life insurance policies.
  • Gathering Necessary Documentation: Be prepared to provide a death certificate.
  • Filing Claims: Contact the insurance companies to file claims for the proceeds.
  • Following Up: Monitor the claims process and provide additional information if needed.

  • Identifying Stock Options: Determine if the deceased held any stock options with current or former employers.
  • Reviewing Expiration Dates: Note that expiration dates may be accelerated in case of death.
  • Consulting with Financial Advisor: Seek advice to understand the tax implications and potential benefits of exercising the options.
  • Making Timely Decisions: Ensure that any stock options are exercised before they expire.

  • Notifying Medical Professionals: Inform healthcare providers about the death.
  • Canceling Future Appointments: Identify and cancel upcoming medical appointments.
  • Requesting Medical Records: Request a copy of the deceased’s medical records.

  • Canceling Prescriptions: Contact the pharmacy to cancel active prescription refills.
  • Collecting Unused Medications: Gather unused or outdated medications.
  • Safe Disposal Practices: Locate a medication take-back program for safe disposal.
  • Awareness of Legal Regulations: Be aware of regulations for medication disposal.

  • Identifying Travel Rewards: Determine if the deceased had any frequent flyer miles or travel rewards.
  • Transferring or Using Rewards: Contact the relevant companies to transfer or use the rewards according to their policies.
  • Consider the Timing of Notification: Some reward programs terminate point redemption immediately upon notification of death.

  • Why This is Necessary: Notifying a credit bureau of the death helps prevent identity theft and fraudulent activities. The bureau will flag the deceased’s credit file, alerting creditors and halting the issuance of new credit in their name.
  • Selecting a Bureau: You only need to contact one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). Once notified, the bureau you contact is required to inform the other two.
  • Required Documentation: Prepare to provide a copy of the death certificate and any other necessary documents that establish your authority to act on behalf of the deceased, such as Letters of Testamentary.

  • Purpose of the Credit Report: A credit report provides an overview of the deceased’s financial obligations.
  • How to Request the Report: Request the deceased’s credit report from any major credit bureau.
  • Reviewing the Report: Review the report for accounts, debts, or inconsistencies.

  • Contacting Utility Providers: Notify the utility companies (electric, gas, water, phone, internet, etc.) of the deceased’s passing.
  • Arranging Continuation or Cancellation: Decide whether to continue service if the property will be occupied or to cancel the service if the property will be vacant.
  • Handling Final Bills: Ensure that any final bills are paid and confirm the status of any security deposits.

  • Informing Insurance Carriers: Notify the homeowners/renters insurance carriers.
  • Adjusting Policies: Either cancel or change the policies to the joint owner’s name. Inquire about associated cost savings resulting from removing a covered individual.

  • Informing Insurance Carriers: Notify the property insurance carriers, including vehicles.
  • Adjusting Policies: Either cancel or change the policies to the joint owner’s name. Inquire about associated cost savings resulting from removing a covered individual.

  • Informing Credit Card Companies: Notify the credit card companies of the death.
  • Handling Accounts: Cancel the account if it was held in the decedent’s name alone or change it to the surviving owner’s name if held jointly.

  • Understanding Credit Life Insurance: Check if the deceased had credit life insurance to help pay off loans.

  • Identifying Eligible Benefits: Research federal survivor benefits you may be eligible for.
  • Gathering Necessary Documentation: Prepare required documents for claims.
  • Filing Applications: Submit applications for benefits.
  • Following Up on Applications: Track applications and follow up as necessary.

  • Identifying Unfiled Claims: Review medical records and billing statements for outstanding claims.
  • Gathering Necessary Documentation: Collect relevant documents to support claims.
  • Submitting the Claims: Fill out claim forms and monitor progress.
  • Following Up on Submitted Claims: Provide additional information if requested.

  • Informing the DMV: Notify the DMV of the deceased’s passing to cancel or transfer vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses.
  • Providing Necessary Documentation: Provide a copy of the death certificate and any other required documentation.
  • Consider Timing: Some DMVs do not require updates to title following someone’s passing until the current title expires.

  • Update Account Information: Change account information to the surviving owner’s name.
  • Follow The Estate Plan: Ensure modifications follow any estate planning directives.
  • Consider Timing: Delay updates until all checks in the deceased’s name are received.

  • Informing the Institution: Contact the financial aid office to discuss the impact of the death on the dependent’s financial aid.
  • Providing Documentation: Be prepared to provide a death certificate.
  • Discussing Available Assistance: Inquire about additional financial aid or scholarships that may be available.

  • Assessing Changes: Evaluate if any changes to current employee benefit plans are needed.
  • Consulting with HR: Discuss potential adjustments with your employer’s HR department.
  • Making Informed Decisions: Consider changes in coverage, beneficiaries, or contributions based on new circumstances.

  • Determining Existence of Reproductive Material: Investigate if the deceased had stored reproductive material.
  • Understanding Legal Rights and Wishes: Review legal documents or agreements related to stored material.
  • Consulting with Legal and Medical Professionals: Seek advice to understand implications and options.
  • Making Informed Decisions: Decide on the future of the stored reproductive material.

  • Reviewing Current Information: Check your current emergency contact information with your employers, schools, clubs, etc.
  • Updating Contacts: Ensure the contact information is updated to reflect any changes after the death of a loved one.
  • Providing Necessary Documentation: Provide any required documents to your employer for the update.

  • Listing Digital Assets: Make a list of the deceased’s digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies, digital wallets, domain names, and cloud storage.
  • Identifying Subscriptions: Review the deceased’s email and financial statements to identify any subscriptions, including magazines, streaming services, and memberships.
  • Securing Access: Ensure secure access to these digital assets and transfer them according to the deceased’s wishes or estate plan.

  • Identifying Active Accounts: Determine which social media platforms the deceased was active on.
  • Understanding Platform Policies: Each platform has its own policy for handling deceased users’ accounts.
  • Gathering Required Information: Prepare necessary documentation, such as a death certificate.
  • Submitting Requests: Contact each platform to submit a request to close or memorialize the account.

  • Determining Active Email Accounts: Identify all active email accounts of the deceased.
  • Setting Up Auto-Reply Messages: Configure auto-reply messages to inform senders of the death.
  • Implementing Auto-Forwarding: Set up auto-forwarding for important emails to a designated person.
  • Securing and Eventually Closing Accounts: Ensure security and plan to close accounts in accordance with policies.

  • Checking for Unclaimed Assets: Search for any unclaimed property or assets that belong to the deceased through state unclaimed property databases.
  • Filing Claims: File claims to recover any unclaimed property or assets.

  • Identifying Properties: List all real estate holdings owned by the deceased.
  • Managing or Selling Properties: Decide whether to manage, sell, or transfer ownership of the properties according to the estate plan.
  • Adhere To Estate Plan Guidelines: Ensure you follow directives set forth by any estate plan.

  • Organizing an Estate Sale: If necessary, contact estate sale professionals to organize and conduct an estate sale.
  • Managing the Sale: Work with professionals to ensure the sale is handled efficiently and in accordance with the estate plan.

  • Identifying Items for Disposal or Donation: Go through the deceased’s belongings and identify items that can be disposed of or donated.
  • Contacting Charities: Reach out to local charities to donate items that are still in good condition.

  • assets are solely owned and do not have designated beneficiaries, probate is usually required.
  • Reviewing Ownership and Beneficiary Designations: Assets held in joint tenancy, with rights of survivorship, or with designated beneficiaries typically bypass probate.
  • Assessing Estate Value: Many states have a threshold for the value of the estate that determines whether probate is needed. Smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures.
  • Checking State Laws: Probate requirements vary by state, so review local laws to understand specific thresholds and procedures.

  • Assessing the Estate’s Complexity: Evaluate the complexity and size of the estate. Large, diverse estates with various assets, debts, and beneficiaries might require professional management.
  • Understanding Legal Requirements: Consider any legal challenges or complications. If the will is contested, hiring a professional can be crucial in resolving issues efficiently.
  • Evaluating Family Dynamics: Reflect on family dynamics and potential conflicts. A professional can serve as a neutral party to mediate disputes.
  • Analyzing Time and Skill Constraints: If the appointed executor lacks the time, expertise, or willingness, seeking a professional ensures competent management.

  • Determining Need: Consider consulting with an attorney or accountant to determine if estate tax returns or estate income tax returns are necessary.
  • Obtaining IRS Form 712: If estate tax returns are needed, obtain IRS Form 712 from each insurance company that paid a life insurance policy.

  • Reviewing Current Financial Status: Assess your current financial situation.
  • Setting New Financial Goals: Reflect on future financial objectives.
  • Developing a Budget: Create a new budget based on your revised situation.
  • Consulting with Financial Professionals: Seek advice for effective financial management.

  • Choosing the Right Memorial: Decide on the type of memorial.
  • Selecting Design and Material: Consider design, material, and inscriptions.
  • Consulting with a Provider: Contact a reputable provider for guidance.
  • Placing the Order: Order the memorial and understand the timeline.
  • Arranging Installation: Coordinate with the cemetery or final resting place for installation.

  • Reviewing Existing Documents: Assess your estate plan, including advance directives.
  • Identifying Necessary Changes: Determine what changes are needed based on new circumstances.
  • Consulting with an Attorney: Seek legal assistance to ensure all updates are properly documented.
  • Executing the Documents: Complete the necessary steps to execute updated advance directives.

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