Checklist - What You Should Do In The First Seven Days After A loved One Passes Away

• Notify immediate family and friends.
• Notify attending physican and/or a funeral home.
• Look for the deceased papers to determine if he or she had a prepaid burial plan, belonged to a memorial society or had written instructions regarding their funeral arrangements. Often, the deceased preferences may be included in their will.
• Complete the funeral and burial arrangements. The decedent may be entitled to burial assistance from a number of organizations. If the decedent was a veteran, the spouse of a veteran or a dependent child of a veteran, call the Veteran's Administration. If the decedent was receiving public assistance, they may qualify for burial assistance. To determine eligiblity, call the Department of Social Services in the county where the decedent lived.
• Notify extended family and other friends.
• If desired, arrange for an obituary in local newspapers.
• Arrange for someone to:
• Answer the phone and check the decedent's answering machine, e-mail and cell phone
• Collect the mail - have it held at the Post Office or forwarded to a family member
• Arrange for care of the decedent's pets
• Locate the car and house keys. Also evaluate the residence of the decedent for security
• Take care of perishable food, plants and other property
• Cancel any home deliveries
• Keep records for all expenses incurred from the date of death
• Obtain Death Certificates.
• Locate the original will, codicils, and trusts.
• Do NOT drive the decedent's car!
• Make an appointment with an attorney to obtain advice on handling the estate