WHAT TO DO

What to Do When Someone Dies

Immediately following the death of a loved one, there are many decisions that must be made. At this time, you may find your emotions are heightened, and for that reason it is a good idea to ask for help in making all the decisions and arrangements. Additionally, the funeral home’s staff is eager to assist you and the family in making the best decisions possible. This information can help guide you and your family through the process.

A red rose is sitting on a gravestone in a cemetery.

Immediate Steps

Someone Passes Unexpectedly at Home or Work

  • Immediately contact emergency personnel and the person's physician, the loved one was under a doctor's care.
  • If you are aware that the deceased is an organ donor, make sure to immediately notify emergency personnel and hospital staff member to ensure that the organs are harvested promptly. You can check the deceased's driver's license and advance health care directive documents to see their intent.

Someone Passes While Under a Physician's or Hospice Nurse's Care at Home

  • Immediately call the doctor or hospice nurse. They can declare the time of death and help facilitate the transport of the body.
  • If the death occurs and no one is present at the time of death, the police should be notified and respond to the call before the body is removed.

Someone Passes While Under Supervised Care in a Facility

  • The facility staff will notify the listed emergency contact as well as the necessary authorities. If the name of a funeral home has been left with the facility, the funeral home will be notified at the time of the death. Later, the funeral home and the family should plan for the final arrangements.
  • If immediate family members, close friends, and spiritual advisors have not been contacted, now is a good time to do that.
  • Make sure that the deceased's dependents and pets are cared for. 
  • It is a good idea to also notify the deceased’s employer. You may want to inquire about any work insurance policies and any outstanding pay.

Several Days up to 30 After the Death

  • Get multiple copies of the death certificate. You will need this for financial institutions, government agencies, and insurers.
  • If there is a will in place, contact the city or county’s office to have it filed with probate.
  • Notify the deceased's insurance company of the death and submit a claim to get insurance benefits.
  • Make sure that agencies such as Social Security and the VA stop making payments to the deceased’s account.
  • Stop or update utilities, banks, mortgages, postal services, and other similar type services.
  • Contact financial advisers and stockbrokers to notify them of the death.
  • Close credit card accounts and notify credit reporting agencies of the death.
  • Cancel deceased’s driver's license, emails, organization memberships, and website accounts.
  • Notify the election board that your loved one has passed. 
  • Contact a tax preparer and file a final tax return, if it is needed.

Following these guidelines will hopefully help you manage arrangements and business matters of your loved one. Remember, we are here to help you every step of the way, whether it’s before a death occurs or after. Just give us a call.