In the first day after a death, only a few things truly need to happen. Much of what feels urgent can wait. This guide separates the two.
What needs to happen in the first 24 hours
- The death is pronounced. Hospice, hospital or facility staff handle this, or emergency responders if you called 911. See what to do when someone dies.
- A funeral home is chosen and takes your loved one into its care. If there is a pre-need contract, call the funeral home named in it.
- Immediate family is told. Decide who will call whom, so that no one hears the news from social media first.
- The home and dependents are safe. Lock the home if it will be empty, secure car keys and valuables, and arrange care for pets and for anyone who depended on the person.
What can usually wait a day or two
- Deciding between burial and cremation.
- Choosing a casket, urn, cemetery or service date.
- Writing the obituary.
- Notifying banks, Social Security, insurers and employers.
- Dealing with the will or the estate.
The funeral director will guide the timing. Some faith traditions call for burial very quickly, often within a day; tell the funeral home right away if that applies.
Useful things to look for
- Written funeral wishes, a pre-need contract or funeral insurance.
- The will, and the name of the attorney who prepared it.
- Life insurance policies.
- Military discharge papers (DD214), if the person served.
- The person’s Social Security number, birth certificate and marriage certificate.
Taking care of yourself
Eat, drink water, and accept help with meals, childcare and phone calls. It is normal to feel numb or to forget things. Write down each conversation and the name of the person you spoke with.