Losing a loved one is a difficult experience. In the hours and weeks following a death, many administrative procedures need to be completed. This guide outlines the essential steps, in the order they generally occur, to help you navigate this challenging period with greater peace of mind.

Contact a Funeral Home

Once the death has been certified, you should choose a funeral home.

The funeral home can:

  • Arrange transportation of the deceased.
  • Prepare the funeral service.
  • Handle certain administrative procedures.
  • Advise the family on legal requirements.

Useful documents

  • Death certificate.
  • Identification document of the deceased.
  • Any funeral plan or funeral insurance policy.

Check for an Existing Funeral Plan

Some people may have arranged:

  • A life insurance policy.
  • A funeral insurance plan.
  • Written wishes regarding burial or cremation.

Register the Death with the Local Authorities

In many countries, the official declaration of death must be made to the local municipality or registry office.

In many cases, the funeral home will complete this process on behalf of the family.

Commonly required documents

  • Medical death certificate.
  • Identification document of the deceased.
  • Family record book or civil status documents.

Request several copies of the death certificate, as they will be required for many future administrative procedures.

Inform Family and Friends and Organize the Funeral

This stage includes:

  • Informing relatives and friends.
  • Organizing the ceremony.
  • Publishing an obituary if desired.

Information to prepare

  • Date and location of the ceremony.
  • Type of ceremony (religious or civil).
  • Wishes expressed by the deceased.

Notify the Deceased's Employer

If the deceased was still employed, contact their employer as soon as possible.

The employer may:

  • Terminate the employment contract.
  • Settle any outstanding salary payments.
  • Provide information regarding any group insurance or death benefit coverage.

Documents to prepare

  • Death certificate.
  • Contact details of the family representative.

Contact Social Security and Pension Organizations

It is important to notify the relevant institutions to prevent incorrect payments and to determine any benefits available to surviving family members.

Organizations to contact

  • Pension fund or pension authority.
  • Social security administration.
  • Health insurance provider.

Required documents

  • Death certificate.
  • Identification number of the deceased.
  • Contact details of the spouse or heirs.

Inform Banks and Financial Institutions

The deceased person's bank accounts must be reported to the relevant financial institutions.

Institutions to contact

  • Banks.
  • Credit companies.
  • Investment managers.
  • Life insurance providers.

Commonly required documents

  • Death certificate.
  • Identification documents of the heirs.
  • Estate or probate documents when available.

Important

Bank accounts may be temporarily frozen depending on the applicable legislation.

Contact Insurance Companies

Make a list of all insurance policies held by the deceased.

Insurance policies to review

  • Life insurance.
  • Death insurance.
  • Home insurance.
  • Car insurance.
  • Health or hospitalization insurance.
  • Mortgage or loan protection insurance.

Required documents

  • Death certificate.
  • Policy number.
  • Beneficiary contact information.

Cancel or Transfer Existing Contracts

Many subscriptions and services continue to be billed after death unless they are cancelled.

Contracts to review

  • Electricity.
  • Gas.
  • Water.
  • Telephone services.
  • Internet services.
  • Television subscriptions.
  • Streaming services.
  • Gym memberships.
  • Associations and other subscriptions.

Commonly required documents

  • Copy of the death certificate.
  • Contract reference number.

Manage the Estate

This step usually takes place during the weeks following the death.

Depending on the family's circumstances and assets, it may be necessary to consult a solicitor, attorney, or notary.

A legal professional can help with

  • Identifying the heirs.
  • Preparing an inventory of assets.
  • Managing inheritance matters.
  • Preparing tax declarations.

Documents to gather

  • Death certificate.
  • Family record book.
  • Marriage certificate or marriage contract, if applicable.
  • Any wills.
  • Property deeds.
  • Bank statements.
  • Insurance policies.

Complete Tax Obligations

The deceased person's tax obligations do not automatically disappear.

Depending on the country, you may need to:

  • File the final tax return.
  • Declare the estate.
  • Pay any inheritance or estate taxes.

Useful documents

  • Tax documents of the deceased.
  • Bank statements.
  • Inventory of assets and liabilities.

Quick Checklist of Organizations to Contact

During the First Few Days

✓ Doctor
✓ Funeral home
✓ Municipality or registry office
✓ Family and close friends
✓ Employer

During the First Few Weeks

✓ Bank
✓ Insurance companies
✓ Health insurance provider
✓ Pension authority
✓ Utility providers
✓ Telephone and internet providers
✓ Solicitor, attorney, or notary

Documents to Keep Together in One File

To simplify all procedures, gather the following:

  • Death certificates (multiple copies).
  • Identification document of the deceased.
  • Family record book.
  • Any will.
  • Insurance policies.
  • Banking information.
  • Tax documents.
  • Property deeds.
  • Marriage certificate, marriage contract, or cohabitation agreement.

A Final Piece of Advice

In the days following a death, it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. Do not hesitate to delegate some administrative tasks to a family member, a legal professional, or the funeral home. Keeping a checklist of completed actions and contacted organizations can help prevent oversights and make this difficult period more manageable.