The Checklist You Need After the Death of a Loved One

This checklist will help guide you through necessary steps after the death of a loved one.

After the death of a loved one, the grief can be all-encompassing, and the last thing you may feel ready to tackle is a series of responsibilities and tasks. Yet these steps are necessary to honor their memory, ensure their wishes are carried out, and settle their affairs. While the process may seem overwhelming, breaking it down into smaller, manageable actions can make it more bearable.

We’ve created a detailed guide to help you through this difficult time.

Immediate Actions

1. Obtain the Legal Pronouncement of Death: When a loved one passes away in a hospital or nursing home, the staff will automatically take care of this step. However, if the death occurs at home, call 911 to arrange transportation to the hospital where the death can be legally pronounced. This documentation is essential and will be required for the steps that follow.
2. Notify Family and Friends: Sharing the news about the death of a loved one is a deeply personal task. Decide on the method that feels most comfortable for you. Some prefer to make personal phone calls to close family and friends, while others may find it easier to send an email or post a message on social media. If it feels too difficult, you can designate someone to spread the word on your behalf. There’s no right or wrong way—just do what feels manageable in the moment.
3. Contact a Funeral Home: Whether the person preplanned their funeral or you need to make decisions, reach out to a funeral home to begin arrangements. They can guide you through the initial steps and help with necessary paperwork.

In the Days That Follow

1. Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service: Work with the funeral home, clergy, or a religious organization (if applicable) to finalize the service details. If the person was a veteran, the Veterans’ Administration can also assist with specific honors or arrangements.
2. Ask for Support: During this time, leaning on others can make a big difference. Enlist family and friends to assist with various tasks, such as writing the obituary, choosing pallbearers, organizing a post-service gathering, or managing thank-you notes.
3. Handle Immediate Household Concerns: Secure any valuables in the home to prevent loss or theft. Remove perishable food items, especially if the home will be unoccupied for a while. If the person had pets, make arrangements for their care—whether temporary or permanent. Additionally, contact the post office to forward mail to your address or the executor’s address.

Two Weeks Later

1. Order Death Certificates: Death certificates are required for many tasks, from managing financial accounts to filing insurance claims. Request at least ten certified copies from the funeral home or your local records office to ensure you have enough for all necessary institutions.
2. Locate the Will: Determine whether the person had a will and who the named executor is. The executor will be responsible for managing the estate. If there is no will, the probate process will appoint an administrator.
3. Begin the Probate Process: Take a copy of the will to your local probate court to initiate the process. Probate ensures that all debts are settled and that the remaining assets are distributed according to the person’s wishes.
4. Notify Organizations and Institutions: Contact the Social Security Administration to stop benefit payments and inquire about possible survivor benefits. Notify life insurance companies, banks, financial advisors, and credit bureaus. Close or memorialize your loved one’s email and social media accounts to protect against identity theft.
5. Cancel Unneeded Services: Review any recurring bills and subscriptions, such as utilities, streaming services, or memberships. Cancel those that are no longer needed to avoid unnecessary charges.
6. Consult Professionals: Meet with an attorney to address estate settlement and ensure that all legal matters are properly handled. Additionally, consult a CPA to prepare and file their final tax return. These professionals can provide guidance and ease the burden during this stressful time.

Moving Forward

Though these tasks may feel overwhelming, taking them one at a time can provide a sense of progress and control during an otherwise chaotic period. Allow yourself the space to grieve, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals.

If the person’s passing leaves behind an elderly family member who needs extra care, Hired Hands Homecare is here to support you. Our caregiving companions can step in to fill the gaps, providing peace of mind while you take care of these necessary responsibilities. Call us at (866) 940-4343 any time for assistance in Napa, Petaluma, Novato, or anywhere in the Bay Area.

Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. There’s help and support available to guide you every step of the way.