Practical Matters After a Death – What Needs To Be Done First

When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to think clearly—yet important decisions and tasks often need to be handled right away. While every situation is different, understanding the first steps can help ease some of the uncertainty during a very emotional time.

One of the first things that must happen is an official declaration of death. If the death occurs at home, emergency services or a hospice provider will guide you through the next steps. If it occurs at a hospital or care facility, the staff  will typically handle the initial procedures and help coordinate with a mortuary.

Next, a funeral home or mortuary is contacted. You do have a say in which mortuary is chosen. If you have a pre-planning arrangement this is the time to notify the staff involved. The mortuary handles arrangements for care, transportation, and funeral planning. Families often worry they must have everything decided immediately—this is not the case. Many choices can be made gradually, with guidance.

Obtaining death certificates is another early task. These official documents are needed for legal and financial matters such as settling estates, accessing benefits, or closing accounts. Your mortuary can help determine how many copies you may need and assist with ordering them.

You may also want to notify close family members and friends.  It is okay to ask for help for what will seem like an overwhelming task. Some families assign more than one person to make calls or send messages so the responsibility does not fall on one individual.

It’s important to remember that you do not need to do everything at once. Taking things step by step—and allowing others to support you—can make this difficult period more manageable.

If you have questions or need guidance, the staff at Hilgenfeld Mortuary is here to help you navigate each step with care and respect.