What to Do Immediately After a Loved One Dies

When someone dies, the logistical side of loss begins almost immediately. Within hours, you may be expected to make decisions, answer phone calls, and begin sorting through paperwork. It’s a lot to manage, especially when you're still trying to process what happened.

Below, if you have authority to act, we’ll focus on what needs attention in the first 48 hours. Remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Think of this as an introduction to some of the most urgent tasks, and a way to avoid feeling pulled in every direction.

We’ve supported many families through these moments, and we know how overwhelming estate settlement can feel. Our goal is to make the path forward easier to see, and then break it down into practical steps as well.

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1. Get a Legal Pronouncement of Death

If your loved one died in a hospital or while receiving hospice care, a medical staff member will typically handle this step and begin the official paperwork. But if the death occurred at home and wasn’t expected, you’ll need to call 911 so a first responder or physician can confirm the death and complete the required documentation.

This legal pronouncement is the first step toward everything that follows. It’s what allows you to request death certificates, arrange transport, and begin legal and financial processes. Before the first responders leave, ask them who will be filing the report, what comes next, and whether you’ll receive a copy automatically or need to request it.

2. Reach Out to Bring in Support

Choose one or two people who can help you navigate the next few days. This could mean calling other family members, watching your kids for the evening, picking up groceries, or just sitting with you while you make the first set of decisions.

Also, try to be specific in your asks. Most people want to be helpful, but don’t always know how. A simple request like, “Can you come stay with me while I call the funeral home?” gives them a clear way to support you.

3. Arrange for the Body to Be Transported

If your loved one died at home and didn’t have hospice or hospital support, you’ll need to contact a funeral home or cremation provider to arrange transportation. They’ll send a team to retrieve the body and ensure it’s cared for until final plans are made.

You don’t need to choose a casket or book a service yet. This step is about legal transfer and short-term care. When you call, ask about the cost, how soon they can arrive, and whether they’ll handle death certificate filing or notify Social Security on your behalf. You’ll likely be asked for the full name, date of birth, and location of death, so try to have those details ready.

4. Make a Short-Term Plan for Dependents and Pets

If your loved one was responsible for others—children, an aging parent, a pet—it’s important to put a short-term plan in place right away. 

If you’re not in a position to coordinate things yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to help manage the logistics. Also, be sure to write down and share key care details about medication, daily routines, or special dietary needs.

Here are some questions to guide the process:

• Who can take care of the kids tonight or tomorrow?
• Who can check in on an older parent or relative and make sure they have what they need?
• What medications or treatments need to be administered, and when?
• Are there any allergies, sensitivities, or special care instructions others should know about?
• Who else should be informed so they’re not caught off guard (teachers, aides, neighbors)?
• Would it help to rotate responsibilities among a few people for now?

The goal isn’t to create a perfect plan. It’s to make sure that no one is left without support in the immediate aftermath.

5. Make Sure the Home is Safe

If your loved one lived alone, take a moment to secure their home. Lock all doors and windows, check on any vehicles, and bring in mail or packages. Remove perishables from the fridge and make note of anything valuable or easily misplaced.

If others had keys or access, consider changing the locks or notifying the landlord or building manager. This isn’t just about safety: it’s about preventing confusion, protecting their belongings, and avoiding unnecessary conflict later on. 

6. Locate Important Documents

You don’t need to collect everything right away, but finding a few key documents now can help reduce delays and confusion later on. These are often needed to confirm identity, handle arrangements, and file for benefits.

Start with:

• A government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
• Any advance directive or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form
• Prepaid funeral or cremation paperwork
• Their Social Security card 
• Health insurance details

If you can’t find something, don’t panic. Just make a note of what’s missing and where you’ve already looked. This list will be useful if someone helps you search later or if a provider asks for documentation you don’t yet have.

A Quick Note on Social Security

If your loved one was receiving Social Security benefits, the agency must be notified. In many cases, the funeral home will handle this for you, but not all do. So, it’s worth asking directly.

If benefits continue after someone’s death, the government may request the money be returned. Conversely, a surviving spouse or dependent child might be eligible for new benefits they didn’t realize they qualified for. When you speak with the funeral provider, ask whether they will notify Social Security. If they don’t, make sure to follow up with the agency yourself.

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What Happens Next

If you’ve taken care of even one or two of the steps above, that’s real and meaningful progress. These early decisions are often the hardest, and you’ve already started to work through them.

Everything else—account closures, legal processes, financial paperwork—can come later. Right now, it’s okay to take things slowly and focus on what’s in front of you.

When you’re ready, and if it helps to have some additional structure, Elayne’s Post-Loss Checklist can guide you through the next steps. You can also create a free Elayne account to stay organized and track tasks.

Remember, you don’t have to handle everything at once. With the right support and a clear understanding of the options, each step forward becomes a little easier and more manageable. 

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Please work with the appropriate professionals to get support for your specific situation.

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