Most people know that death involves grief and paperwork. Few realize how many decisions need to be made, how fast, and by whom. Here is the complete, honest timeline — from the moment of death through the first six months.
The First Hour
Confirm death with a medical professional or coroner (required before a funeral home can take custody of the body). If death occurs at home outside of hospice, you may need to call 911 — officers will call the medical examiner. Death in a hospital or hospice involves different protocols. The attending physician completes the death certificate.
The First 24 Hours
- Contact a funeral home or mortuary to transport the body
- Notify immediate family and close friends
- Secure the deceased's home, vehicle, and valuables
- Locate the will and any pre-arrangement documents
- Confirm funeral home arrangements (burial or cremation, service plans)
The First Week
Order at least 10 certified death certificates. File the will with the county probate court. Apply for Letters Testamentary. Notify the Social Security Administration (benefits stop the month of death). Notify the employer and request information about any employer-provided life insurance or pension benefits.
Weeks 2–4: Notifications
Notify all financial institutions, insurance companies, and creditors. Cancel or transfer utilities. Cancel subscriptions. Redirect mail. File with the state DMV to transfer or surrender vehicle titles. Notify government agencies (Medicare, Veterans Affairs, pension administrators).
Months 1–6: Probate and Estate Administration
Complete probate if required. Inventory and appraise estate assets. Pay valid creditor claims and reject invalid ones. File the deceased's final federal and state income tax returns. File estate income tax return (Form 1041) if the estate earns income. Distribute assets to beneficiaries once all obligations are met.
"You don't have to do everything at once. Some tasks are genuinely urgent; most can wait. The most important thing in the first 48 hours is to secure the home and make funeral arrangements. Everything else follows."
