Key Takeaways
- In the first hours, the priorities are getting a legal pronouncement of death, notifying close family, and caring for any dependents or pets.
- In the first week, you’ll arrange the funeral, order certified death certificates, look for the will, and notify Social Security and the employer.
- Over the following months, the executor settles the estate: notifying institutions, paying debts and distributing property, sometimes through probate.
- Family members are usually not personally responsible for the deceased person’s debts.
- You don’t have to do everything at once. Many tasks can wait until after the funeral.
First, take a breath
Losing someone is overwhelming, and the paperwork can feel impossible on top of grief. The good news: very little needs to happen in the first few days, and much of it can be shared among family. This checklist breaks it down by when things actually need to be done.
In the first 24 to 48 hours
- Get a legal pronouncement of death. If the death happens in a hospital or nursing home, staff handle this. At home under hospice care, call the hospice nurse. If the death is unexpected, call 911.
- Notify close family and friends. Ask one or two people to help spread the word.
- Arrange care for dependents and pets, and secure the home and vehicle.
- Contact a funeral home. First check for written funeral wishes or a prepaid plan; see the funeral planning checklist.
- Check whether the person was an organ or body donor, which is time-sensitive.
In the first week or two
- Order certified death certificates. The funeral home usually orders them. See how many death certificates you need.
- Find the will and other key documents. See how to find a will, accounts and life insurance.
- Notify Social Security. The funeral home often reports the death, but confirm. Payments received for the month of death usually must be returned.
- Contact the employer, pension administrator and the VA if the person was a veteran.
- Notify life insurance companies to start claims.
In the following weeks and months
- The executor gets legal authority, through probate if needed. See what is probate?
- Notify banks, creditors and other institutions. See who to notify after a death.
- Inventory assets, pay valid debts and file final tax returns. See how to settle an estate.
- Distribute property to beneficiaries and close the estate.
Timeline at a glance
| When | Key tasks | Who usually handles it |
|---|---|---|
| First 24–48 hours | Pronouncement of death, notify family, care for dependents and pets, contact funeral home | Next of kin |
| First week | Funeral arrangements, death certificates, find the will, notify Social Security and employer | Family and funeral home |
| First month | Life insurance claims, secure assets, start probate if needed | Executor and beneficiaries |
| Months 1–12 | Notify institutions, pay debts and taxes, distribute property | Executor |
| Following year | Final income tax return, close the estate | Executor |
A word on debts
The deceased person’s debts are paid from their estate, not by their family. Relatives generally aren’t personally responsible unless they co-signed, held a joint account or live in a situation covered by special state rules. See are you responsible for a parent’s debts?
Spare your own family this
Most of the hardest parts of this list, such as hunting for documents, guessing at wishes and waiting for court authority, are easier when the person who died had a plan. See our estate planning checklist.
Frequently asked questions
If the person was under hospice care, call the hospice nurse. If the death was unexpected, call 911. A legal pronouncement of death is needed before a funeral home can take the person into its care.
The executor named in the will handles the estate. If there’s no will, a court appoints an administrator, usually a close relative. Next of kin typically make funeral arrangements.
Simple estates can be settled in a few months. Estates that go through full probate, involve disputes or have complex assets can take a year or more.
Not always. Small or simple estates can often be handled without one, especially in states with simplified procedures. Complex estates, disputes or tax issues usually benefit from an attorney.
Accounts with a payable-on-death beneficiary or a joint owner pass directly to that person. Accounts in the person’s name alone are usually frozen until the executor has legal authority.
Guides in this hub
- How to Settle an Estate: An Executor’s ChecklistA step-by-step executor checklist for settling an estate: getting legal authority, notifying creditors, managing assets, paying taxes and distributing property.
- How Many Death Certificates Do You Need?Most families need several certified death certificates. See who requires a certified copy, how many to order, and how to get more later.
- Who to Notify When Someone Dies: A Complete ListA complete checklist of who to notify after a death: government agencies, banks, insurers, credit bureaus, employers, utilities and online accounts.
- Are You Responsible for a Parent’s Debts After They Die?In most cases, children don't inherit a parent's debts. Learn how debts are paid from the estate, the exceptions, and what to say when collectors call.
- How to Find a Will, Bank Accounts and Life Insurance After a DeathDon't know if your loved one had a will or life insurance? Where to look, free search tools for lost policies and unclaimed money, and what to do if nothing turns up.
Don’t leave your family guessing
Put your health care wishes in writing with a living will, HIPAA release and medical authorization. The No Brainer Box adds a last will, a revocable trust and health care and financial powers of attorney.
- Answer a few simple questions online
- Download your completed, ready-to-sign forms
- Sign them and keep copies in your account
This guide is general educational information written by the No Brainer Forms Team. It is not legal advice, and No Brainer Forms is not a law firm. Laws and signing requirements vary by state; for advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.