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First 24 Hours Checklist

A practical, step-by-step checklist for the days following a death. Check items off as you go, or print it to take with you.

Immediate (first few hours)

Confirm death has been pronounced by a medical professional
Contact clergy or faith community if applicable
Notify immediate family members
Contact a funeral home or cremation provider
Care for any children, pets, or dependents in the home
Secure the home if it will be unoccupied

First 24 hours

Notify close friends and additional family
Locate government-issued ID (driver's license, passport)
Locate Social Security number
Find any existing will, trust, or advance directive
Note any pre-arranged funeral or burial plans
Do not close bank accounts yet
Do not distribute belongings yet

First week

Work with the funeral home to file the death certificate
Order 8–12 certified copies of the death certificate
Notify Social Security Administration
Contact life insurance companies
Notify employer of the deceased
Secure and inventory valuable personal property
Save all receipts and documents related to the death

First month

Notify banks and financial institutions
Cancel or transfer credit cards
Cancel subscriptions and memberships
Redirect mail to executor or next of kin
File for any applicable veterans or pension benefits
Consult an estate attorney if real estate or significant assets are involved
Begin probate process if required
Plan for final tax return (due April 15 of following year)

This is general information, not legal advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult professionals as needed.

Related Guides

Who to Contact First After a Death

Which calls matter most in the first day or two

Death Certificates

How to get them and what you'll need them for

Documents After a Death

What documents and paperwork you may need — and what can wait

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