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Checklist of What to Do When Someone Dies

A plain checklist for what to handle first, what can wait, and who may need to be contacted.

First Day

Call close family or friends
Start with the people who should hear directly and can help with the next calls.
Take care of dependents or pets
Make sure anyone who relied on them is safe for the next few days.
Contact a funeral home
Ask what happens next, what paperwork is needed, and what choices can wait.

Documents

Get certified death certificates
You will probably need more than one copy, so ask how many makes sense.
Find the will or estate papers
Look for the person named to handle the estate and any written wishes.
Make an account list
Banks, bills, utilities, loans, subscriptions, insurance, and anything with automatic payments.

Notifications

Report benefit payments
Let the right benefit programs know so payments and survivor benefits are handled correctly.
Check for survivor benefits
Look into veteran, pension, employer, union, or life insurance benefits if relevant.
Call employer or union
Ask about final paycheck, insurance, retirement, and who should receive forms.

Estate Follow-Up

Do not give things away too fast
Wait until the executor or legal process is clear, even if family is asking.
Forward or check mail
Bills and notices can show up later, so keep an eye on the mailbox.
Get help with legal or tax questions
If anything feels unclear, ask a qualified professional before making big decisions.

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