WHEN a death occurs
What now?What do you need to do when a death has occurred or is imminent.
We understand that losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. To help guide you through this process, we’ve outlined the essential steps you need to take.
Contact the Authorities
Obtain a Legal Declaration of Death
Before proceeding with any arrangements, a legal pronouncement of death is required. The process varies depending on where your loved one passed:
- In a hospital or nursing home: The facility’s staff will arrange for the declaration
- At home: Call local emergency services immediately for assistance in obtaining the declaration
- Under hospice care: Hospice staff can provide the legal declaration
This official declaration must be completed before you can move forward with funeral arrangements or settle legal matters.
Information our Funeral Directors May Need
When you meet with the funeral director, they’ll outline the documentation needed to complete the death certificate and finalize arrangements. Be prepared to provide the following information about your loved one:
- Full legal name and residential address
- Marital status and spouse’s name
- Date and city of birth
- Race and ethnicity
- Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)
- Educational background (highest degree or level completed)
- Occupation and employer information
Having these details readily available will help streamline the process during this difficult time.
Planning the Services
Once the declaration is complete, you can begin coordinating funeral arrangements. Start by checking whether your loved one had pre-planned their services or documented their wishes. If not, select a funeral home and schedule a meeting with their director to explore your options.
Key decisions to address include:
- Burial or cremation
- Type and timing of memorial service
- Venue selection
- Casket or urn choice
- Obituary content
- Selection of pallbearers
- Service details such as officiant, music, and speakers
Veterans Benefits
If your loved one served in the military (active duty or retired), contact the Veterans Administration early in the planning process to learn about available death benefits and service options.
We honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert guidance to help families access the full range of veterans benefits they’ve earned.