What to Do After a Loved One Passes Away: A Step-by-Step Guide
Losing someone close to you is one of life’s most painful experiences. During this time of grief, it can be overwhelming to figure out what needs to be done. We created this guide to help you focus on the most important tasks ahead, what needs to happen right away, what can wait, and when to bring in professionals for help.
We hope this post brings a little clarity and peace of mind as you take the next steps.
Immediate Actions (Within 24–48 Hours)
In the first day or two, your priority is to ensure safety, fulfill any legal requirements, and begin notifying close loved ones.
Pronouncement of Death: In Ohio, a legal pronouncement of death is required. If your loved one passes at home, call 911 or follow instructions from hospice care. If the death occurs in a hospital, the staff will handle this.
Contact a Funeral Home or Cremation Service: They can help guide you through the first steps and assist with transportation and care for your loved one.
Locate Instructions: Some people leave funeral instructions or prepaid plans, check for these as soon as possible.
Secure Property and Pets: Lock the home, care for any pets, and safeguard valuables or sensitive documents.
Notify Close Family and Friends: Begin informing immediate family and close friends. You can delegate this task if it's too emotionally difficult.
Start Immediate Planning: Begin discussing service details and coordinating with your chosen funeral provider.
In the First Few Days
As the shock begins to settle, focus on finding essential documents and beginning arrangements for any memorial or funeral services.
Locate the Will or Trust: This will be crucial for determining who handles the estate and how it should be managed.
Gather Personal Documents: This includes Social Security card, driver’s license, insurance policies, military paperwork, and home deeds.
Meet with the Funeral Home: Finalize service details and ensure religious, military, or cultural needs are addressed.
Order Death Certificates: Request 5–10 certified copies: you’ll need them for banks, insurance companies, and more.
In the First 1–2 Weeks
Now it’s time to start notifying institutions and getting a handle on financial matters.
Notify Employers: Request any final paychecks, retirement account info, or company benefits.
Contact Government Agencies: Call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) and the VA (1-800-827-1000) if applicable.
Reach Out to Insurance and Financial Institutions: Notify life insurance companies, pension managers, banks, and credit unions.
Manage Accounts and Services: Alert credit card companies, utility providers, subscription services, and the BMV.
Confirm the Executor or Trustee: If not already done, confirm who is legally responsible for managing the estate.
Begin Asset Inventory: Start listing all known assets and debts.
Pay Essential Bills: Continue covering items like the mortgage, insurance, and utilities.
Contact an Estate Attorney: Legal guidance can simplify the process and prevent delays or disputes.
File the Will: Submit the will to probate court if required in your jurisdiction.
Within 30 Days
By now, the focus shifts to transferring ownership and starting financial transitions.
Open an Estate Account: This account will hold estate funds and be used to pay bills or distribute money.
Cancel or Transfer Services: This includes cell phone, cable, internet, and other recurring monthly services.
Forward Mail: Use USPS to ensure that all important correspondence is rerouted to the correct party.
Notify Health Insurance Providers: Cancel policies or update them as needed.
Inform the Credit Bureaus: Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to report the death and prevent identity theft.
In the Coming Months (1–6 Months)
The final phase involves closing out the estate, filing taxes, and emotionally processing the loss.
Close or Memorialize Digital Accounts: Consider closing or converting email and social media profiles.
Work with a CPA: An accountant can help with final income taxes and any estate tax obligations.
Settle Debts: Pay outstanding balances using estate funds.
Distribute Assets: Follow the instructions in the will or trust to pass on property, money, and belongings.
Finalize Probate or Trust Administration: This may involve court filings or formal accounting.
Keep Records: Document all actions taken, communications, and expenses related to the estate.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist, grief counselor, or local support group. Healing takes time.
Additional Tips for a Smoother Process
Consult with professionals—legal, financial, and tax advisors can save you time and protect the estate.
Be vigilant against identity theft. Monitoring the deceased's identity is an important (and often overlooked) task.
Check for survivor benefits. The government, veterans’ programs, and unions may offer support.
Make copies of all documents and correspondence.
Be patient—many estates take six months to a year or more to fully settle.
You don’t have to go through this alone. While the process of settling an estate involves many moving parts, it’s okay to ask for help, whether from friends, family, or professionals. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take it step by step. Grief has no timeline, and neither does healing.
Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
One of the most meaningful gifts you can leave behind for your loved ones is a clear and thoughtful estate plan. Having your wishes documented in advance, through a will, trust, and other tools, can ease the burden during a difficult time and help avoid confusion, delays, or disputes.
At Ballinger Legal, we provide estate planning services designed to give peace of mind for you and your family. Whether you're creating your first plan or need to update existing documents, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence and care.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and start planning for what matters most.
