Losing someone close is traumatic, and addressing funeral preparations and personal affairs may be intimidating. Here’s a list of things to do after a loved one dies. Some of these items can only be done by a person’s executor, so if you do not have this role, work closely with them.

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Legalise the death

This must be done immediately after death. Doctors frequently handle hospital deaths. If a loved one dies at home or somewhere else, you must know who to call. If a hospice patient dies, call the nurse. If your relative has not gone to a hospice or hospital, contact 999.

Organ donation

Check your loved one’s driver’s license to see whether they are organ donors. If so, tell hospital staff (or call a nearby hospital if your loved one died at home). Organ donation is time-sensitive, so act fast.

Tell friends and relatives.

Not easy. There is no right or wrong approach for any household. Some families discuss the news face-to-face or via phone. Others may prefer email or texting. Split the duty among family members to relieve your stress.

Plan what to do with their body and transfer it.

First, verify whether your loved one has revealed any preferences about what to do with their body after death or made any prepayments or preparations with a funeral home or cemetery. 

Plan funerals

Talk to the funeral director if you have decided to use a funeral home. You may desire to have a memorial service or celebration of life after an immediate burial, cremation, or gift to science.

Obituary

Get family and friends’ input on your loved one’s obituary. When it is done, decide if you want to pay to publish it. Online obituaries are free.

Print and floral orders

Order programs, prayer cards, and flowers in advance. You can order them via the funeral home to save time, but you may get a better deal by shopping about.

Food and drink

Catering may be needed at a wake following a burial or cremation. You can offer your own food, hire a caterer, host a potluck, or have attendees bring their own. Any of these alternatives depends on your tastes and budget.

Headstone order

Headstones are seldom ready for the burial so you can do this after the funeral. Some stunning granite or metal headstones are available; take your time choosing one.

Order death certificates.

Depending on how many accounts your loved one had and where you need to notify, you may need ten or more death certificates. Your funeral director, city hall, or local records office can assist you order them.

Begin probate

If the estate is modest, does not contain exceptional assets, and will not be challenged by relatives, you can handle it yourself. If the procedure seems difficult, consider hiring a probate lawyer.

Grieve and accept

After a death, the early phases might be hectic and distract you. After that, you should grieve and accept the death. Talk to family, friends, or a professional if it is too much.