What to Do When Someone Dies: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Losing someone you love is one of the most overwhelming experiences in life. In the hours and days that follow, you may feel paralyzed by grief while simultaneously facing urgent decisions about medical examiners, funeral arrangements, legal paperwork, and financial obligations. It can feel like too much, all at once.

This guide is here to help. We have organized everything you need to do into clear, manageable steps -- from the first phone calls in the hours after a death to the legal and administrative tasks that come in the weeks and months ahead. You do not need to do everything at once. Take each step at your own pace, ask for help when you need it, and know that there is no single "right" way to navigate this process. Our goal is to give you the information you need so you can make thoughtful decisions during an incredibly difficult time.

If you are also facing financial concerns about funeral costs, you are not alone. The average funeral in 2026 costs between $8,000 and $12,000, and many families are caught off guard by the expense. Throughout this guide, we will link to resources that can help you understand what funerals actually cost, find more affordable options, and access financial assistance programs.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first hours after someone dies can feel chaotic and surreal. Here is what needs to happen, and in roughly what order. Remember: there is no need to rush. Most of these steps can be completed within the first 24 to 48 hours.

If the Death Occurs at Home

If the person was under hospice care and the death was expected, call the hospice agency first. A hospice nurse will come to the home to officially pronounce the death and can guide you through next steps. Hospice organizations are experienced in helping families during this moment and can be an invaluable source of calm and direction. Do not call 911 unless advised to by the hospice agency, as this may trigger an unnecessary emergency response that could include police investigation.

If the death was unexpected, call 911 immediately. Paramedics and potentially law enforcement will arrive to assess the situation. A medical professional must legally pronounce the death. If there is any question about the cause of death, the medical examiner or coroner may become involved. This is a routine procedure and does not necessarily indicate suspicion of foul play. In most cases, the process takes a few hours.

If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Facility

When someone dies in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility, the staff will handle the immediate medical and legal procedures, including pronouncing the death. They will ask you to choose a funeral home to transport the body. You do not have to decide immediately. It is perfectly acceptable to tell the staff you need a few hours to make calls and compare options. The facility will hold the body until you are ready.

Notify Immediate Family and Close Friends

Once the immediate medical and legal steps are underway, begin contacting close family members and friends. You do not have to call everyone yourself. Ask one or two trusted people to help spread the word. If you are not emotionally ready to make phone calls, a brief text message or having someone else call on your behalf is completely appropriate. Broader notifications -- extended family, coworkers, community members -- can wait a day or two.

Secure the Person's Property

If the person lived alone, make sure their home is locked and secure. Retrieve any valuables, medications (especially controlled substances), and important documents such as their will, insurance policies, bank statements, and identification. If pets were in the home, arrange for their care. These practical steps may feel insignificant in the moment, but attending to them early prevents complications later. For guidance on the broader estate process, see our probate process and costs guide.

Choosing a Funeral Home

Selecting a funeral home is one of the most important decisions you will make in the days following a death, and it is also one of the areas where families are most vulnerable to overspending. Funeral costs vary dramatically between providers -- sometimes by thousands of dollars for the same basic services -- so taking even a few hours to compare options can make a meaningful financial difference.

Get the General Price List (GPL)

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, every funeral home in the United States is legally required to provide you with a General Price List (GPL) that itemizes the cost of every service and product they offer. You have the right to request this list over the phone, and funeral homes must give it to you without requiring an in-person visit. This is federal law, not a favor. Any funeral home that refuses to provide pricing over the phone is violating the law.

We strongly recommend calling at least two or three funeral homes and requesting their GPLs before making a decision. Our funeral price comparison guide walks you through exactly how to compare these lists side by side. You may be surprised by how much prices differ even between funeral homes in the same city.

Know Your Consumer Rights

The FTC Funeral Rule protects you in several important ways. You have the right to buy only the services you want -- a funeral home cannot require you to purchase a package if you prefer to select individual items. You have the right to provide your own casket or urn purchased from an outside retailer, and the funeral home cannot charge you a handling fee for using it. You also have the right to choose cremation or immediate burial without first purchasing a viewing or embalming.

Understanding these rights before you walk into a funeral home puts you in a much stronger position. Read our questions to ask a funeral home guide so you know exactly what to ask during your first conversation. Families who arrive prepared consistently report feeling more in control and more satisfied with the arrangements they make.

Consider Timing

There is no legal requirement to choose a funeral home within hours of a death. If the person is at a hospital or medical examiner's office, the body will be held in refrigeration. You typically have 24 to 72 hours to make this decision without any issues. Use that time wisely to research your options and make a choice you feel confident about.

Understanding Your Funeral Cost Options

Funeral costs are one of the largest unexpected expenses most families will ever face. Understanding the range of options available to you -- and what each one actually costs -- is essential for making a decision that honors your loved one while respecting your family's financial situation.

Traditional Funeral with Burial

A traditional funeral typically includes embalming, a viewing or visitation, a funeral ceremony, a hearse, and burial in a cemetery. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a traditional funeral with viewing and burial in 2026 is approximately $8,300 to $9,000 for funeral home services alone. When you add in the cemetery plot, grave liner or vault, headstone, and flowers, the total often reaches $12,000 to $15,000 or more. For a complete breakdown of every line item, see our funeral cost breakdown guide.

Funeral with Cremation

A funeral with cremation includes many of the same services as a traditional funeral -- visitation, ceremony, and a memorial service -- but replaces burial with cremation. This option typically costs $6,500 to $7,500 for the funeral home services, plus the cost of an urn or other memorial container. Cremation eliminates the need for a cemetery plot, vault, and headstone, which can save $3,000 to $6,000 compared to burial. Our detailed cremation vs. burial cost comparison helps you understand exactly where the savings come from.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is the most affordable option for most families. It involves cremation of the body without a prior viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony. The cremated remains are returned to the family, who can then hold a memorial service at a time and place of their choosing -- at home, in a park, at a place of worship, or anywhere that feels meaningful. Direct cremation typically costs between $1,000 and $3,500, making it a fraction of the cost of a traditional funeral. This option has become increasingly popular, with nearly 60 percent of Americans now choosing cremation. Learn more in our guide to affordable funeral options.

Costs Vary by Location

Funeral costs vary significantly from state to state and even between cities within the same state. A traditional funeral that costs $7,500 in rural Mississippi might cost $13,000 or more in Manhattan. Before making any decisions, check the average costs in your specific area using our funeral costs by state guide, which provides detailed pricing data for all 50 states.

Paying for Funeral Costs

One of the most stressful aspects of dealing with a death is figuring out how to pay for the funeral, especially if the death was unexpected. The good news is that there are more options than most people realize. Here is a comprehensive overview of how families pay for funeral expenses.

Life Insurance and Burial Insurance

If the deceased had a life insurance policy, the death benefit can be used to cover funeral costs. Contact the insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Most policies pay out within 30 to 60 days, but some insurers offer expedited processing for funeral expenses. If you need funds sooner, some funeral homes will work directly with the insurance company on an assignment of benefits.

Burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance, is a type of small whole life policy specifically designed to cover funeral and end-of-life costs. These policies typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are easier to qualify for than traditional life insurance. If you are planning ahead for your own arrangements, our best burial insurance companies comparison and funeral insurance guide can help you understand your options. For a side-by-side comparison of different policy types, see our funeral insurance comparison page.

Government Assistance Programs

Several government programs can help offset funeral costs. The Social Security Administration pays a one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255 to eligible surviving spouses or dependent children. While this amount has not been updated in decades and covers only a tiny fraction of funeral costs, it is still worth claiming. See our Social Security death benefit guide for step-by-step filing instructions.

Medicaid may also provide funeral assistance depending on your state. Many states have programs that help cover burial or cremation costs for Medicaid recipients, with benefits typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,500. Eligibility rules vary widely by state, so check our Medicaid funeral assistance guide for details about your state's specific program.

Veterans and their eligible dependents may qualify for burial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, including a burial allowance, a free burial in a national cemetery, and a government headstone or marker. For a complete overview of what is available, see our funeral payment assistance guide.

Crowdfunding and Community Support

Online crowdfunding through platforms like GoFundMe has become one of the most common ways families cover unexpected funeral costs. Funeral-related campaigns are among the most successful categories on these platforms. Tips for a successful campaign include sharing a personal story about the deceased, setting a specific and realistic goal based on actual cost estimates, providing regular updates to donors, and sharing the campaign widely on social media.

When You Have No Money for a Funeral

If you are facing funeral costs with no savings, no insurance, and no immediate financial resources, please know that you still have options. County and municipal governments are legally required to provide for the disposition of remains when no one else can pay. Additionally, many funeral homes offer payment plans, and choosing direct cremation can bring total costs under $2,000 in many areas. Our comprehensive guide on how to pay for a funeral with no money walks through every available resource, from charitable organizations to government programs to negotiating with funeral homes.

Legal and Administrative Tasks

Beyond the funeral itself, there is a significant amount of legal and administrative work that must be completed in the weeks and months following a death. While this can feel overwhelming, you do not need to do everything at once. Here is a prioritized list of what needs to happen and when.

Obtain Death Certificates

Certified copies of the death certificate are required for nearly every legal and financial transaction following a death. We recommend ordering 10 to 15 certified copies through the funeral home at the time of death, as this is typically easier and less expensive than ordering them later through the state vital records office. You will need copies for insurance claims, bank accounts, Social Security, the DMV, retirement accounts, the mortgage company, and the probate court. Each certified copy typically costs $10 to $25 depending on your state.

Notify Social Security

The Social Security Administration should be notified promptly. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, those payments must stop. In most cases, the funeral home will report the death to Social Security on your behalf using the deceased's Social Security number. However, you should still call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the death has been reported and to ask about survivor benefits, the lump-sum death payment, and any other benefits your family may be entitled to. Our Social Security death benefit guide explains the full process and what benefits may be available to you.

Locate the Will and Contact an Attorney

If the deceased had a will, locate it as soon as possible. The will should name an executor who is responsible for managing the estate. If there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator under your state's intestacy laws. In either case, the will (or a petition for administration) must be filed with the local probate court. Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, you may want to hire a probate attorney. Our probate process and costs guide explains what to expect and how much it typically costs.

Handle Financial Accounts and Property

Contact all banks and financial institutions where the deceased held accounts. You will need to provide a certified death certificate and, in most cases, letters testamentary or letters of administration from the probate court. Notify credit card companies to close or freeze accounts and prevent fraudulent charges. Contact the mortgage company, landlord, utility providers, and any subscription services. Cancel the deceased's driver's license through the DMV to prevent identity theft. For a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with settling an estate, see our estate planning costs guide.

File a Final Tax Return

A final federal income tax return must be filed for the deceased, covering income earned from January 1 through the date of death. If the deceased was married and filing jointly, the surviving spouse can file a joint return for the year of death. If the estate generates income during the settlement process, a separate estate tax return (Form 1041) may also be required. Consult with a tax professional to ensure all filing requirements are met.

Planning the Service

Planning a meaningful funeral or memorial service while grieving is one of the hardest things families are asked to do. Having a structured approach can help you feel more organized and less overwhelmed during this emotionally demanding process.

Use a Planning Checklist

A comprehensive checklist can be a lifeline during the planning process. It ensures nothing important is forgotten and helps you delegate tasks to family members and friends who want to help. Our funeral planning checklist covers every detail, from selecting readings and music to arranging transportation and notifying the employer. Print it out and use it as your working document.

Write the Obituary

The obituary is both a public notice of the death and a celebration of the person's life. It typically includes the person's full name, age, date of death, place of residence, biographical highlights, surviving family members, and details about the service. Many families find that writing the obituary together becomes a meaningful part of the grieving process -- a chance to share memories and reflect on what made the person special. For guidance on structure, tone, and where to publish, see our obituary writing guide.

Choose Flowers and Other Tributes

Funeral flowers are a traditional way to express sympathy and honor the deceased. Arrangements range from simple bouquets at $50 to $75 to elaborate standing sprays and casket covers that can cost $200 to $500 or more. If cost is a concern, consider asking attendees to bring a single flower instead of sending arrangements, or request donations to a charity in lieu of flowers. Our funeral flowers guide covers types of arrangements, average costs, etiquette, and how to save money while still creating a beautiful tribute.

Personalize the Service

The most memorable services are those that genuinely reflect the person who has died. Consider incorporating their favorite music, readings from a book they loved, photos displayed on a memory table, or a slideshow of family images. If the person had specific wishes about their service, honor those as closely as possible. If not, think about what would have made them feel celebrated. Some families invite attendees to share brief stories or memories, creating a service that feels personal and connected.

Grief and Support

While this guide has focused largely on the practical steps following a death, the emotional journey is equally important and far less predictable. Grief does not follow a timeline or a set of stages. It comes in waves, and those waves can be triggered by the smallest things -- a song, a scent, an empty chair at the dinner table.

Be gentle with yourself. It is normal to feel exhausted, distracted, angry, numb, or all of these at once. It is normal to laugh at a memory and then feel guilty for laughing. It is normal to feel relief if the person had been suffering, and it is normal to feel guilty about that relief too. There is no wrong way to grieve.

If you find that grief is interfering with your ability to function in daily life for an extended period, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out for professional help. Your primary care doctor can provide referrals, and many therapists specialize in grief counseling. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling or texting 988.

We have compiled a comprehensive collection of support resources, hotlines, support groups, books, and online communities in our grief resources guide. You do not have to walk this path alone. Whether you find comfort in a support group, individual therapy, faith community, or simply talking with friends and family, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

For those supporting a grieving person, your presence matters more than your words. Showing up, listening without trying to fix things, and offering specific help ("I am bringing dinner Tuesday -- is 6pm okay?") is far more valuable than saying "Let me know if you need anything." Grief is a long process, and the people who continue to check in weeks and months later are the ones grievers remember most.