Funeral Planning Checklist: 30 Things You Must Do After a Death

When someone you love dies, the world doesn't pause to let you grieve. Instead, you're faced with an overwhelming number of decisions, phone calls, and logistics — often while you're in the deepest shock of your life. If you're feeling lost right now, please know that what you're experiencing is completely normal. You don't have to do everything at once, and you don't have to do it alone.

This funeral planning checklist breaks down the 30 most important tasks into manageable steps, organized by when they need to happen. Print it out, share it with a trusted family member, or simply bookmark this page and return to it as needed. One step at a time is enough.

Immediate Steps: Your Funeral Checklist for the First 24 Hours

The hours immediately after a death are disorienting. These first eight items on our funeral planning checklist focus on the most urgent and necessary actions. Don't worry about getting everything perfect — focus on getting through each step.

1. Call Emergency Services or the Appropriate Authority

If the death was unexpected or occurred at home without hospice care, call 911 immediately. The paramedics will assess the situation and contact the appropriate authorities. If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice nurse instead, as they will guide you through the next steps and can officially document the time of death.

2. Have the Death Officially Pronounced

A death must be legally pronounced by a qualified professional before anything else can proceed. In a hospital or nursing facility, the attending physician handles this. For home deaths, the hospice nurse, a paramedic, or the county coroner will issue the official pronouncement. This step triggers the legal process that allows you to obtain a death certificate.

3. Notify Immediate Family Members

Before the news spreads through other channels, personally contact the closest family members — the deceased's spouse, children, parents, and siblings. These calls are among the hardest you'll ever make, so don't feel pressure to say the "right" thing. A simple, honest statement is enough. If making every call feels impossible, ask one trusted person to help share the news with a portion of the list.

4. Secure the Deceased's Property

If your loved one lived alone, take steps to secure their home as soon as possible. Lock all doors and windows, bring in any mail or packages, adjust the thermostat to prevent pipe damage, and ensure pets are cared for. If there are valuables in plain sight, consider moving them to a secure location. This isn't about rushing — it's about preventing avoidable problems during an already difficult time.

5. Contact a Funeral Home

If your loved one pre-arranged their funeral, contact the funeral home they selected. If no arrangements exist, ask trusted friends or family for recommendations, or check reviews online. The funeral home will coordinate the transfer of your loved one into their care. You are not obligated to use the first funeral home you call — you have the right to compare prices and services before committing.

6. Locate the Will and Any Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans

Search for a last will and testament, advance directives, and any pre-paid funeral or burial plans. Common places to check include a home safe, a filing cabinet, a safety deposit box, or with the deceased's attorney. These documents may contain specific wishes about burial versus cremation, the type of service desired, and who should handle the estate. Knowing these wishes early prevents difficult guesswork later.

7. Arrange Care for Dependents

If the deceased was the primary caregiver for children, elderly parents, or pets, arrange immediate temporary care. Reach out to family members, close friends, or neighbors who can step in. For children, try to maintain their routine as much as possible — familiar faces, familiar surroundings. For pets, ensure they have food, water, and a safe environment while longer-term plans are sorted out.

8. Start a Contact Log

Begin a notebook or spreadsheet to track every phone call, visitor, and delivery. Write down who called, when, what was discussed, and any follow-up needed. This log will prove invaluable in the coming weeks when you need to remember who sent flowers, who offered to help, and which organizations you've already notified. It also helps when writing thank-you notes later.

Within 48 Hours: Planning the Funeral Service

Once the initial shock has settled slightly, the next phase of your funeral planning list focuses on making decisions about the service itself. If possible, involve other family members in these decisions so the responsibility — and the emotional weight — is shared.

9. Meet With the Funeral Director

Schedule an in-person meeting with the funeral director to discuss your options. They will walk you through pricing, legal requirements, and timelines. Bring a trusted friend or family member for support, and don't hesitate to ask questions. By law, the funeral home must provide you with a General Price List — review it carefully and ask about any charges you don't understand.

10. Choose Between Burial and Cremation

This is one of the most significant decisions you'll make. If the deceased left instructions, honor those wishes. If not, consider their religious or cultural background, family traditions, and budget. Cremation is generally less expensive than traditional burial, and it offers flexibility in how and where you memorialize your loved one. Take time with this decision — there's no need to rush, and most funeral homes understand that families need a day or two to decide. If you're considering cremation, our guide to ashes, keepsakes, and urns can help you understand your options for honoring your loved one's memory.

11. Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service

Decide on the type of service: a traditional funeral with the body present, a memorial service after cremation, a celebration of life, a graveside service, or a combination. Choose readings, music, and speakers that reflect who your loved one was. Think about what would have made them smile. For ideas on making the service deeply meaningful, read our guide on how to personalize a funeral service.

12. Select a Casket, Urn, or Alternative Container

The funeral home will offer a range of caskets or urns at various price points. Remember that you are not required to purchase from the funeral home — you have the legal right to buy a casket or urn from a third party, and the funeral home cannot charge a handling fee for accepting it. Shop around if budget is a concern. What matters most is what feels right for your family, not the price tag.

13. Order Death Certificates

Request at least 10 to 15 certified copies of the death certificate through your funeral director. You'll need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, property transfers, Social Security notification, and other legal and financial processes. Ordering extra now saves the time and expense of requesting additional copies later. Each copy typically costs between $10 and $25 depending on your state.

14. Write and Submit the Obituary

The obituary serves as both a public announcement and a tribute. Include the full name, date of birth, date of death, surviving family members, service details, and a brief biography highlighting what made your loved one special. Many newspapers charge by the word or by the line, so ask about pricing before submitting. You can also post the obituary on free memorial websites and social media at no cost.

15. Arrange Flowers and Decorations

Decide whether you'd like floral arrangements at the service, and if so, choose a florist. Many funeral homes can coordinate this for you, but you'll often find better prices by working with a local florist directly. Consider the deceased's favorite flowers or colors. Some families request donations to a charity in lieu of flowers — if this aligns with your wishes, include that information in the obituary.

16. Plan the Reception or Gathering

Many families hold a gathering after the funeral service where mourners can share memories and support one another over a meal. This can be held at a family home, a place of worship, a restaurant, or a community hall. Delegate the food coordination to a friend or family member — this is one of the most common and helpful ways people can contribute when they ask, "What can I do?"

Within One Week: Notifications and Administrative Tasks

As the funeral service concludes, a new set of responsibilities begins. This section of the funeral checklist covers the administrative and financial notifications that should happen within the first week. These tasks are less emotionally intense but equally important.

17. Notify the Deceased's Employer

Contact the deceased's employer or HR department to inform them of the death. Ask about any final paychecks, unused vacation pay, life insurance benefits through the company, retirement account details, and COBRA health insurance continuation options for surviving dependents. Request these details in writing so you have documentation for your records.

18. Contact Life Insurance Companies

Locate all life insurance policies and contact each company to initiate the claims process. You'll typically need a certified death certificate and the policy number. Most life insurance companies process claims within 30 to 60 days once all paperwork is submitted. If you can't find a policy but believe one exists, check old tax returns for premium payment records or contact the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Life Insurance Policy Locator.

19. Notify Social Security Administration

Report the death to the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, those payments must stop. The surviving spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits or a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255. The funeral home may offer to make this notification on your behalf, but confirm that it has been done.

20. Notify Banks and Financial Institutions

Contact every bank, credit union, investment firm, and financial institution where the deceased held accounts. This prevents unauthorized transactions and begins the process of transferring assets to the estate or beneficiaries. Bring a certified death certificate and your identification. If you're a joint account holder, the account will typically transfer to you automatically. Otherwise, the accounts may be frozen until the estate is settled.

21. Begin the Estate Administration Process

If the deceased had a will, contact the named executor. If there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator, usually the surviving spouse or closest relative. Consult with a probate attorney to understand your state's specific requirements. The complexity of this process depends on the size of the estate, whether a will exists, and whether assets are held jointly or have designated beneficiaries.

22. Send Thank-You Notes

While it may feel premature, begin acknowledging the kindness of those who supported you — those who sent flowers, food, donations, or cards, and those who attended the service. A brief, handwritten note is the traditional approach, though an email or phone call is perfectly acceptable too. Use the contact log you started in step 8 to make sure no one is overlooked. There's no rush to complete all notes at once; the important thing is to start.

Within One Month: Financial and Legal Matters

The first month after a death is when the legal and financial details require more focused attention. These items on the funeral planning checklist can feel tedious, but handling them promptly can prevent complications down the road.

23. File Life Insurance and Benefits Claims

Follow up on the insurance notifications you made in week one. Submit all required documentation, including certified death certificates, claim forms, and any supporting paperwork. Track each claim's status and keep copies of everything you submit. If the deceased had multiple policies — through work, a private insurer, or a veterans' benefit — file each one separately and note the expected timeline for each.

24. Consult a Tax Professional

Meet with a CPA or tax advisor who has experience with estates. They can advise you on the deceased's final income tax return, potential estate tax obligations, and any tax implications of inherited assets. Bring recent tax returns, financial account statements, and documentation of the estate's assets and debts. This consultation can save the estate significant money and prevent costly filing errors.

25. Begin the Probate Process

If the estate requires probate — the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets — file the necessary paperwork with your county's probate court. The executor or administrator will need to inventory assets, pay outstanding debts, and eventually distribute the remaining assets to beneficiaries. Probate timelines vary widely by state, ranging from a few months to over a year for complex estates.

26. Cancel or Transfer Subscriptions and Services

Systematically cancel or transfer the deceased's subscriptions, memberships, and services. This includes cell phone plans, streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, email accounts, social media profiles, utility accounts, and any automatic payments. Check bank and credit card statements for recurring charges you might otherwise miss. Some services may offer refunds for unused portions.

27. Review and Update Your Own Estate Plan

The death of a loved one often changes your own estate plan. If the deceased was named as your beneficiary, executor, or power of attorney, those designations need to be updated. Review your own will, life insurance beneficiaries, retirement account beneficiaries, and advance directives. While this step is not urgent, it's wise to address it while the importance of estate planning is fresh in your mind.

Within 6 Months: Closing the Estate

The final phase of this things-to-do-when-planning-a-funeral checklist extends beyond the funeral itself into the months that follow. These steps bring the administrative process to a close and allow you to shift your focus fully toward healing.

28. File the Deceased's Final Tax Return

The deceased's final federal and state income tax returns are due by the regular filing deadline, April 15 of the year following the death. The surviving spouse or executor is responsible for filing. If the estate generated income after the death (from investments, rental property, or asset sales), a separate estate tax return may also be required. Your tax professional can handle both filings.

29. Distribute Assets to Beneficiaries

Once all debts and taxes are paid and probate court approves, the executor can distribute the remaining assets according to the will or state intestacy laws. This includes transferring property titles, distributing financial accounts, and delivering personal belongings. Document every distribution carefully and have beneficiaries sign receipts to protect the executor from future disputes.

30. Formally Close the Estate

File the final accounting with the probate court, showing all assets, debts paid, and distributions made. Once the court approves, the estate is officially closed and the executor is released from their duties. This final step provides legal closure and protects the executor from future liability. It's also an emotional milestone — a sign that while the grief continues, the administrative burden has been lifted.

If you're struggling with the emotional weight of these tasks — or any aspect of your loss — please consider reaching out for support. Our article on the benefits of grief counseling and when to seek help offers guidance on finding professional support during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Planning

How much does a funeral cost on average?

The average cost of a funeral with burial in the United States ranges from $7,000 to $12,000, while cremation services typically range from $2,000 to $7,000. These figures vary significantly depending on your location, the funeral home you choose, and the specific services and products you select. Remember that you have the right to choose only the services you want — you are not required to purchase a package. Ask for an itemized price list and compare options before making financial commitments.

Who is responsible for planning a funeral when there is no will?

When there is no will, the legal next of kin is typically responsible for funeral arrangements. The order of priority generally follows this sequence: surviving spouse, adult children, parents, siblings, and then extended family members. If multiple family members share equal standing, they'll need to reach a consensus. In rare cases where no family can be located or family members cannot agree, the county or state may step in to handle arrangements.

How soon after a death does a funeral need to happen?

There is no universal legal deadline for holding a funeral, but practical considerations usually place the service within one to two weeks after the death. If the body is not embalmed, most states require burial or cremation within 24 to 72 hours, though refrigeration can extend this window. Religious and cultural traditions may also dictate timing — some faiths call for burial within 24 hours, while others allow more flexibility. Cremation can occur on a separate timeline from the memorial service, giving families additional flexibility in planning.

Can I plan a funeral without a funeral home?

Yes, in most states, families have the legal right to handle funeral arrangements without a funeral home. This is known as a home funeral or family-directed funeral. Families can care for the body at home, build or purchase a casket independently, and even transport the body themselves in many states. However, the legal requirements vary significantly by state — some states require a licensed funeral director's involvement for specific steps such as filing the death certificate or obtaining permits. Research your state's laws carefully or consult a home funeral guide before proceeding.

Losing someone you love is one of life's most difficult experiences, and the administrative demands that follow can feel relentless. But you don't have to carry it all in your head. Use this funeral planning checklist as your guide, lean on the people around you, and give yourself permission to grieve at your own pace. The paperwork will get done. What matters most right now is taking care of yourself and the people you love.