What to Do When Someone Dies: A Step-by-Step Guide
A calm, complete checklist of what to do when someone dies — from the first 48 hours through settling the estate. Get a personalized plan free.
Where did they live?
This lets us tailor steps to the right state’s process.
When someone dies, there is no single right order to do everything — and you don’t have to do it all at once. This guide walks through the practical steps calmly, from the first hours through settling the estate, so you always know the next right thing to do.
Below the checklist you’ll find what matters most in each window of time. Start the free checklist above to get a version tailored to your situation and your state.
Common questions
What should I do first when someone dies?
Get a legal pronouncement of death. In a hospital or hospice, staff handle this. If the death happened at home and the person wasn’t in hospice care, call 911 or your local authorities. After that, contact a funeral home and notify close family.
How many death certificates do I need?
Most families need 8–12 certified copies. Banks, insurers, and government agencies usually each require an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Do I have to handle the estate right away?
No. The urgent items are securing the home, arrangements, and notifying key agencies. Estate settlement and probate unfold over months. Take the time you need.
Related guides
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and processes vary by state. When in doubt, consult a licensed attorney or the official sources linked throughout.