Resources
Essential Reading
What to do when someone dies
A step-by-step handbook for everything that needs to happen after the death of a loved one.
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What to do when someone dies
Find the timeframe that you’re in. Start there.
Planning Ahead
Get key legal documents in place. Understand and articulate preferences.
Day 1
Establish key details. Transfer the body. Notify close family and friends.
Days 2–7
Understand and decide on body care (disposition). Order death certificates. Plan a service or gathering.
Weeks 2–4
Administrative work gets into full swing. Planning for a memorial or celebration of life may continue.
Months 1–3
Paperwork and estate administration continue. Grief can hit hard without all the distractions.
Months 3–6
Probate continues. The estate picture becomes clearer. Grief continues its ebbs and flows.
Months 6–12+
The estate closes, or continues toward closing. The first year of firsts unfolds.