After Death Checklist

The Funeral Program Site recommends using this After-Death Checklist to track immediate steps, notifications, documentation, and follow-through tasks after a loved one passes. Complete the form below and save as a PDF, or download a blank After-Death Checklist and fill out.

Checklist Basics

Deceased Full Name

Date of Death

Primary Contact / Coordinator

Relationship to Deceased (optional)

Location of Passing (optional)

Immediate Needs / Notes (optional)

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

Confirm pronouncement of death (doctor/nurse/hospice) completed Request official death certificate ordering information Notify close family / key contacts Secure home (locks, pets, mail, valuables as needed) Locate ID + key documents (license, SSN, insurance cards) Identify any organ donation / donor instructions (if applicable) Locate pre-planning documents (if any)

Who Pronounced Death? (optional)

Hospice / Facility Contact (optional)

Immediate Action Notes

Funeral Home / Disposition Planning

Choose funeral home / provider (or confirm pre-selected provider) Confirm burial vs. cremation decision (or locate written preference) Arrange transfer of remains (if needed) Provide vital info for death certificate (name, DOB, parents, etc.) Review service options, timeline, and pricing Confirm date/time/location for service(s) (if planned) Confirm clergy/celebrant/officiant (if applicable) Confirm cemetery/crematory/columbarium arrangements (if applicable)

Funeral Home / Provider

Disposition Choice (optional)

Disposition & Service Notes

Obituary + Service Details

Gather obituary details (full name, dates, hometowns, survivors, etc.) Select photo(s) for obituary and service materials Draft obituary and confirm where it will be published Confirm memorial donation preferences (optional) Compile service order (music, readings, speakers) Collect names/contact info for pallbearers (if applicable) Confirm livestream details / remote viewing (if applicable)

Obituary Publisher(s) (optional)

Livestream Link / Platform (optional)

Obituary / Service Notes

Notifications (People + Organizations)

Notify employer / coworkers (if applicable) Notify close friends / neighbors Notify place of worship / community groups (if applicable) Notify attorney / executor / trustee (if applicable) Notify insurance (life, health, auto, home as applicable) Notify banks / financial institutions (as advised) Notify Social Security / benefits administrator (as applicable) Notify veteran’s office / VA (if applicable)

Top 3 “Must Notify” Contacts

Benefits / Case # (optional)

Notification Notes

Documents to Gather

Government-issued ID (driver’s license/passport) Social Security number/card info (if available) Birth certificate (if available) Marriage certificate / divorce decree (if applicable) Military discharge papers (DD214) (if applicable) Insurance policies (life/home/auto/health as applicable) Will / trust / POA documents (as applicable) Account list (banks, credit cards, subscriptions) (if available)

Where Originals Are Stored (optional)

Where Copies / Scans Are Stored (optional)

Document Notes

Home + Personal Property (Quick Safeguards)

Secure residence (locks, alarms, valuables) Collect keys (home, vehicle, storage, safe deposit) Care plan for pets / plants Forward or manage mail Preserve important items (phones, photos, keepsakes) Make note of vehicles (location, keys, insurance)

Home / Property Notes

Service Materials (Optional but Helpful)

Funeral program drafted / approved Prayer cards / memorial cards planned (optional) Photo display / slideshow plan (optional) Guest book prepared (optional) Thank-you card list started (optional)

Photo Collection Link / Folder (optional)

Printing Deadline (optional)

Materials Notes

Follow-Up Tasks (Next 7–30 Days)

Order death certificates (quantity noted below) Start claims (life insurance, benefits, etc.) Cancel/transfer utilities and subscriptions (as appropriate) Close or memorialize social media accounts (as desired) Track bills due and prevent late fees Return medical equipment (if applicable) Create a folder for receipts and funeral expenses

Death Certificates Needed (estimate)

Receipts / Expense Folder Location (optional)

Follow-Up Notes

Tip: If you’re overwhelmed, pick the next single action and assign it to one person. Progress beats perfection.

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After Death Checklist

Checklist Basics

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

Funeral Home / Disposition Planning

Obituary + Service Details

Notifications (People + Organizations)

Documents to Gather

Home + Personal Property (Quick Safeguards)

Service Materials (Optional but Helpful)

Follow-Up Tasks (Next 7–30 Days)

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After Death Checklist

Checklist Basics

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

Funeral Home / Disposition Planning

Obituary + Service Details

Notifications (People + Organizations)

Documents to Gather

Home + Personal Property (Quick Safeguards)

Service Materials (Optional but Helpful)

Follow-Up Tasks (Next 7–30 Days)