After Death List
Your To-Do List After a Loved One Dies
Here is a list of essential tasks to complete when a loved one passes away. This time can be emotionally overwhelming, so reviewing this checklist in advance can help you prepare and navigate the practical steps involved. It’s also beneficial to keep all critical information organized in one place and ensure someone knows its location. The terms “deceased” and “decedent” refer to the person who has passed away, while “estate” refers to their assets and belongings.
IMMEDIATE STEPS
- If an unexpected death occurs at home, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders will guide you through the next steps. If the deceased was under hospice care, contact the hospice provider instead.
- If a death is anticipated at home, contact your doctor or hospice to prepare for the next steps.
- The majority of deaths take place in hospitals, nursing homes, and similar facilities. Speak with the staff to understand their procedures.
- Reach out to close family members and friends of the deceased, as well as their doctor (if hospice care was not involved) and their lawyer, if applicable. If the deceased had dependents, such as grandchildren, arrange for their care without delay.
- If you are the designated "Designated Agent," you are responsible for arranging funeral or memorial services, as well as burial or cremation. In most states, embalming is required if the body is held or transported for more than 24 hours after death.
- Death Certificates: Certified copies of the death certificate can be obtained through the funeral director or hospice. They are also often available from the local Department of Health office in the county where the death took place.
- Typically, you will need a certified copy of the death certificate for each major asset requiring a transfer of ownership, such as vehicles, real estate, or bank accounts. Additionally, certified copies may be necessary for claims related to life insurance policies, veterans’ survivor benefits, and annuities. The cost ranges from approximately $20 to $32 each, plus applicable fees. Be sure to ask whether a non-certified photocopy is acceptable or if the company can return the original certified copy for future use.
Life and death planning checklist
IMMEDIATE STEPS
- Durable Power of Attorney – Draft a Limited or General Power of Attorney to manage your affairs in the event you become mentally incapacitated.
- Health-Care Directive (or Living Will) – Document your end-of-life preferences and share it with your doctor and loved ones, including your spouse or family.
- Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) – Get written instructions from your doctor about the life-sustaining treatments you wish to receive or decline. Keep it in a visible location so that first responders can easily find it.
- Will – Create a document that designates Beneficiaries and Personal Representatives; probate assets will be distributed via the superior court.
- Trust Agreement – Create a Trust Agreement that designates Beneficiaries and Trustees, and outlines the non-probate assets to be distributed without court involvement.
- Organ Donation – Consider making arrangements to donate your organs and tissues upon your death, if you wish.
- Death With Dignity Process – If you wish, coordinate with your physicians and pharmacists to arrange access to life-ending medication when your prognosis is less than six months.
- Designated Agent – Choose someone to handle your affairs right after your passing.
- Letter of Instructions – Create a Letter of Instructions that outlines the location of your Key Contacts and Important Documents, and clearly details the immediate actions required for your home, bills, pets, funeral, burial, cremation, and other relevant matters.
- Key Contacts – Create a list of names and contact details for your closest family members, friends, lawyers, accountants, doctors, and other important contacts. Label each entry with their relationship (e.g., "sibling," "friend," "attorney," etc.).