How many death certificates do I need?

Order at least 10 certified copies, though 15 is safer for larger estates. Every bank, insurance company, government agency, and financial institution will require an original certified copy — photocopies are almost never accepted. It is much easier and cheaper to order extras upfront through the funeral home than to request additional copies later through the county vital records office.

What is probate and do I need it?

Probate is the legal process where a court validates the will, appoints an executor, and oversees the distribution of assets. You generally need probate if the deceased owned assets solely in their name without a beneficiary designation, joint ownership, or trust. Assets in a living trust, accounts with named beneficiaries, and jointly held property typically pass outside probate entirely.

How long does it take to settle an estate?

Simple estates with few assets and no disputes can sometimes be settled in 3-6 months. More complex estates — those involving probate, real estate in multiple states, business interests, or family disagreements — can take 12-24 months or longer. The timeline depends heavily on your state’s probate process and whether any creditor claims or disputes arise.

Can I access my loved one’s bank accounts?

Joint account holders can typically continue accessing joint accounts. For accounts solely in the deceased’s name, you will need legal authority — either letters testamentary from the probate court or trustee documentation — plus a certified death certificate. Accounts with a payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary transfer directly to the named beneficiary with a death certificate and ID.

Do I need an estate attorney?

While not legally required in most cases, an estate attorney is strongly recommended for estates involving real property, probate, business assets, significant debts, family disagreements, or complex tax situations. For straightforward estates with a clear will and cooperative beneficiaries, you may be able to handle much of the process yourself with guidance from the probate court.

What bills should I pay from the estate?

Pay only essential expenses to preserve estate assets — mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance premiums, and secured debts. Do not pay unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) until you have consulted with an estate attorney, as there is a legal priority order. Never pay estate debts from your personal funds — all payments should come from the estate account.

How do I handle digital accounts and passwords?

Start by checking for a password manager, written password list, or digital legacy contacts (Apple, Google, and Facebook all offer legacy contact features). For accounts without known credentials, contact each service provider with a death certificate. Many platforms have specific processes for memorializing or closing accounts of deceased users.

What if there is no will?

When someone dies without a will (called "intestate"), state law determines how assets are distributed — typically to the surviving spouse first, then children, then other relatives. The probate court will appoint an administrator (often the closest relative) to manage the estate. The process is similar to probate with a will, but distribution follows your state’s intestacy laws rather than the deceased’s wishes.

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What to Do When Someone Dies: A Complete 5-Phase Guide

Losing someone you love is one of the hardest experiences in life. On top of grief, there is an overwhelming amount of practical work that must be done — and most people have never been through it before. This guide walks you through every phase, from the first 24 hours to closing the estate, so nothing critical falls through the cracks.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Estate laws vary by state. Consult a qualified estate attorney or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

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The immediate hours after a passing involve both practical necessities and emotional shock. Focus only on what must be done right now — everything else can wait. Be gentle with yourself and lean on the people around you.

Pronouncement of death — call hospice or 911
If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice agency — they will coordinate next steps including pronouncement. If the death occurred at home without hospice, call 911. A physician or coroner must officially pronounce the death before anything else can proceed.
Notify immediate family members
Reach out to the closest family members first — spouse, children, siblings, parents. You do not need to notify everyone right away. Ask one or two trusted family members to help spread the word so the burden does not fall entirely on you.
Contact a funeral home
If your loved one pre-arranged funeral plans, contact that funeral home. If not, choose one and call them — they will coordinate transportation of the body and guide you through immediate decisions. You are not obligated to decide on services, caskets, or details right away.
Secure the home and valuables
Lock the home, secure vehicles, and safeguard important documents and valuables. This is standard responsible practice during estate administration — not a reflection of distrust. If the home will be unoccupied, consider having a family member check on it regularly.
Begin a notification list
Start a running list of people and organizations that will need to be notified — employer, bank, insurance companies, close friends, religious community. You will work through this list over the coming days and weeks. Having it written down reduces the mental load.

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What to Do When Someone Dies: A Complete 5-Phase Guide

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The First 24 Hours

The First Week

The First Month

Months 2-6

Closing the Estate

Frequently Asked Questions

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