What to do when a family member dies: a step-by-step list
In the first days after a death, grief and a hundred tasks collide at once. This is a calm, ordered checklist so you're not guessing — just one step at a time.
The first 24–48 hours
- Get a legal pronouncement of death — at a hospital they handle it; at home, call 911 or hospice. This starts the death certificate.
- Tell the closest family and a few people who can help carry the load.
- Secure the home, pets, and anyone who depended on them.
- Look for any wishes they left — organ donation, funeral or burial, faith traditions.
- Contact a funeral home or cremation provider to begin arrangements.
The first two weeks
- Order 10–15 certified copies of the death certificate — almost every institution asks for one.
- Find the will and contact the named executor and any attorney.
- Notify Social Security, the employer or pension, and the life insurer.
- Notify banks — but don't rush to close accounts; bills may still need paying.
- Start a simple list of accounts, bills, and who you've notified.
The first months
- Open probate if the estate requires it — an attorney can tell you quickly.
- File final tax returns.
- Cancel or transfer subscriptions, utilities, and memberships.
- Watch for identity theft — notify the credit bureaus.
- Handle online accounts and digital assets — see our RUFADAA guide.
Why this is 10× harder than it needs to be
Every step above gets slower, more expensive, and more painful when no one knows where things are. If your loved one left an organized record — accounts, documents, contacts, wishes — you can move through this in days instead of months. See how to leave instructions for your family.
If you're reading this for yourself
The kindest thing you can do is make sure your family never has to piece this together blind. Start the conversation, then keep it somewhere safe and current. That's what FamiliaLista is for.
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Frequently asked questions
How many certified death certificates do I need?
Most families need 10–15 — banks, insurers, the DMV, and others each want an original.
Do I have to go through probate?
Not always — it depends on the estate and your state. An attorney can tell you quickly.
What happens to their online accounts?
In the U.S. that's governed by RUFADAA. See our digital accounts guide.
Is this legal advice?
No — it's a general checklist. Laws and timelines vary by state; confirm specifics with a licensed attorney.
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