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After Death: The First 48 Hours

A gentle guide to what needs to happen, and what can wait

Take a Breath First

There is no rush

If your parent has just died, take a moment. Sit with them if you wish. There is no immediate urgency. The checklist below can wait. Grief comes first.

First Hours

Immediate Steps

If at home with hospice: Call hospice. A nurse will come to pronounce death and handle paperwork. You do NOT need to call 911.
If at home without hospice: Call the doctor or 911. A medical professional must pronounce death.
If at hospital or facility: Staff will handle medical pronouncement and guide you on next steps.
Call funeral home: They will transport the body when you're ready. No rush, you can take time to say goodbye first.
Notify immediate family: Those who need to know first. Others can wait.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Ask a trusted friend or family member to make phone calls, be with you, or handle tasks. Accept help. This is one of the hardest days of your life.

First 24 Hours

Things That Should Happen

Funeral home arrangements: If pre-planned, just call them. If not, choose one (hospital or hospice can recommend).
Locate important documents: Will, trust, funeral wishes, life insurance policy.
Secure the home: If they lived alone, lock up, check for pets, set thermostat.
Notify employer: If you need bereavement leave.
Consider organ/tissue donation: Must be done quickly if desired (hospice or hospital will ask).

24-48 Hours

Next Steps

Meet with funeral home: Discuss arrangements, costs, death certificates needed (get 10-15 copies).
Write obituary: Funeral home can help. Decide where to publish.
Plan service: Date, location, who will speak, readings, music.
Notify close friends and extended family: Phone tree or one person can manage this.
Post on social media: If desired, a simple announcement.
Contact attorney: If there's a will or trust to be handled.

Do NOT Do These Things Yet

Don't cancel Social Security, it's automatic once death is registered
Don't close bank accounts, you may need them for expenses
Don't rush decisions about belongings or the house
Don't let anyone pressure you to make quick decisions

Who to Notify

This can happen over days and weeks

Within 1 Week

Important Notifications

Social Security: Funeral home often notifies them. Call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm.
Employer / Pension: If they had retirement benefits or life insurance through work.
Life insurance companies: Start the claims process.
Banks and financial institutions: They'll guide you on accessing accounts.
Health insurance / Medicare: To stop coverage and avoid billing.
Veterans Affairs: If a veteran, call 1-800-827-1000 for burial benefits.

Within 1 Month

Additional Notifications

Credit card companies
Utility companies (or transfer to your name)
Subscription services
DMV (to cancel driver's license)
Voter registration
Post office (forward mail)
Landlord (if renting)
Doctors and pharmacies
Clubs, memberships, subscriptions

Important Contact Information

Funeral Home

Attorney

Executor of Estate

Financial Advisor

Life Insurance Company

Policy Number

Bank

Social Security #

Give Yourself Grace

There is no "right" way to grieve. You may feel numb, relieved, devastated, or all of these at once. The paperwork and tasks can feel overwhelming, do what you can, ask for help, and let the rest wait. Nothing is so urgent that it can't wait for you to rest.

Most of these tasks don't need to happen immediately. This guide is meant to help you know what's ahead, not to add pressure. Take care of yourself first. The rest will get done.