This index shows the most common steps and questions families face after a death, organized by timing, so you can start where you are and move forward without rushing.
• When You Can’t Think After a Death
• What to Do Immediately When Someone Dies (First 24–48 Hours)
DAY 1–2: WHAT JUST HAPPENED
• What If Someone Dies at Home vs in a Hospital
• What Happens to the Body After Someone Dies
• Who Is Allowed to Make Decisions After a Death
DAY 2–7: FUNERAL & MEMORIAL
• Planning the Service in a Week: A Simple Days 1–7 Timeline
• Who Does What at the Service? (Officiant, Eulogies, Pallbearers, Readers)
• How to Spread the Word and Coordinate Travel Without Burning Out
• Feeding People, Being Fed, and Letting That Be Enough
• What Gets Forgotten During Funeral Week (And Why That’s Normal)
FIRST TWO WEEKS: STABILIZE LIFE
• What to Do After the First 48 Hours After Someone Dies
• How to Secure the Deceased Person’s Home, Property, and Vehicles
• Who Can Legally Enter a Deceased Person’s Home Before Probate
PAPERWORK & ADMIN
• What Documents You’ll Need After Someone Dies
• How to Find the Will and Other Important Documents
• How to Get Certified Copies of a Death Certificate
• Who to Notify After Someone Dies: Government Agencies and Benefits
MONEY & LONGER TERM
• What to Do About a Deceased Person’s Job, Final Paycheck, and Benefits
• What Happens to Bills and Recurring Payments After Someone Dies
• What Happens to a Deceased Person’s Taxes
• How Long Settling an Estate Usually Takes
• Why Acting Without Legal Authority After a Death Can Cause Problems