After a Death: Your First Week Checklist

Session 1: Funeral Planning (Days 1-3)

These decisions feel urgent but you have more time than you think. Take it slow.

Meet with funeral director to finalize arrangements

• Review and sign service contract
• Choose burial or cremation
• Select casket/urn if applicable
• Schedule date, time and location
• Confirm officiant or celebrant

Plan the memorial service

• Write or finalize obituary
• Select readings, music or prayers
• Ask family/friends to participate
• Choose flowers or donations in lieu
• Arrange for photo display or video

Order death certificates

• Request at least 10 copies (you will need more than you think)
• Funeral home can often order these for you
• Cost varies by state ($5-25 each)
• You can order more later if needed

Notify extended family and friends

• Share obituary and service details
• Ask family to help spread the word
• Consider using a memorial website
• Update social media if appropriate

Arrange for pallbearers (if having a burial)

• Ask 6-8 people
• Confirm they can attend
• Brief them on expectations

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Session 2: Financial Security (Days 2-4)

Protect the estate and prevent fraud or complications.

Secure the estate

• Change locks if there are concerns
• Forward mail to executor's address
• Stop newspaper delivery
• Secure valuable items and jewelry
• Document everything with photos

Contact financial institutions

• Banks: Notify of death, ask about account access
• Investment firms: Stop automatic investments
• Credit card companies: Cancel cards
• Mortgage company: Notify and ask about next steps
• Safe deposit box: Do not open until you understand legal requirements

Locate and secure digital accounts

• Find phone and computer passwords if possible
• Check for password managers
• List all known online accounts
• Do not close email yet (needed for account recovery)

Cancel unnecessary services

• Subscription services (streaming, magazines)
• Gym memberships
• Club memberships
• Automatic deliveries
• Utilities that are no longer needed

Keep essential services running

• Homeowner's insurance must continue
• Utilities needed for property maintenance
• Security systems
• Lawn/snow services

Session 3: Notifications and Claims (Days 3-5)

Start the formal process of settling accounts and claiming benefits.

File life insurance claims

• Submit claim forms to all companies
• Include death certificate copy
• Ask about timeline for payout
• Verify beneficiary information

Contact Social Security

• Confirm death report was received
• Apply for survivor benefits if eligible
• Ask about one-time death benefit ($255)
• Understand impact on any current benefits

Notify health insurance providers

• Cancel health insurance policies
• Ask about COBRA options for dependents
• Submit any pending claims
• Return insurance cards

Contact employer benefits departments

• File for any employer-provided life insurance
• Ask about 401(k) distribution options
• Check for accrued vacation/sick pay
• Ask about pension survivor benefits

Notify creditors

• Credit card companies
• Mortgage/auto loan holders
• Personal lenders
• Ask about next steps, do not pay until you understand obligations

Session 4: Service Day and Immediate Aftermath (Days 5-7)

The service is just the beginning of the healing process.

Day of service

• Arrive early to greet guests
• Have tissues and water available
• Designate someone to take gifts/flowers home
• Ask someone to record service if desired
• Prepare to be exhausted afterward

Send thank you notes

• Keep list of who sent flowers, food, donations
• Notes can be simple: "Thank you for your kindness during this difficult time"
• It is okay to take weeks or months to complete these

Handle charitable donations

• Forward any memorial donations to designated charity
• Send acknowledgments to donors if you have addresses
• Keep records for tax purposes if applicable

Address immediate household needs

• Return borrowed items
• Handle thank you's for meal deliveries
• Care for plants and pets
• Begin sorting perishables and medications for disposal

How to Use This Checklist in 4 Sessions

Session 1 (Days 1-3): Focus on funeral arrangements and immediate notifications. This is emotionally demanding, accept all help offered.

Session 2 (Days 2-4): Secure financial accounts and the estate. Having two people work together helps prevent mistakes.

Session 3 (Days 3-5): File claims and notify organizations. Keep a log of who you spoke with and when.

Session 4 (Days 5-7): Service coordination and initial thank you's. Be gentle with yourself, grief is exhausting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Financial mistakes

• Paying debts from personal funds before understanding estate obligations
• Closing the deceased's bank account too quickly
• Not keeping detailed records of all transactions
• Failing to notify creditors properly

Service planning mistakes

• Scheduling service too quickly without consulting key family
• Not leaving time for out-of-town guests to travel
• Forgetting to record or photograph the service
• Not having a backup plan for weather or other issues

Administrative oversights

• Not ordering enough death certificates
• Forgetting to forward mail promptly
• Not documenting where things are located
• Throwing away documents that might be needed later

Self-care neglect

• Not eating regular meals
• Skipping sleep to handle tasks
• Isolating from support systems
• Expecting too much of yourself too soon

Important Reminders

You have time: Most estate matters can wait weeks or months. Focus on immediate needs first.

Ask for help: Delegate tasks to trusted family and friends. You do not need to do everything yourself.

Keep records: Save all receipts, correspondence and notes. Estate settlement requires documentation.

Consult professionals: When in doubt, consult an estate attorney. Many offer free initial consultations.

Take care of yourself: Grief is physically and emotionally exhausting. Rest when you need to.

Additional Resources

For a complete list of documents you will need: Documents Needed When Someone Dies: A Complete Guide

For immediate steps in the first 24 hours: What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Someone Dies

For help organizing digital accounts: Digital Access Plan: Account Inventory Checklist