What to do when someone dies: the first 72 hours, first two weeks, first two months

You don't need to do everything today. Most of the list below can wait a week; a few things cannot. Start at the top.

First 72 hours

1. Get a legal pronouncement of death (hospital, hospice nurse, or 911 if at home unexpectedly).
2. Tell close family and the people who should hear it from a person, not a post.
3. Look for funeral wishes or a prepaid arrangement before choosing a funeral home. You have the legal right to an itemised price list — the FTC Funeral Rule.
4. Arrange care for dependants and pets; secure the home and vehicles.
5. Ask the funeral home to order 10+ certified death certificates.

First two weeks

1. Locate the will and the named executor.
2. Notify the employer (final pay, life insurance, pension) and Social Security (the funeral home often does this).
3. Contact life-insurance carriers to start claims.
4. Forward mail; cancel or pause subscriptions and deliveries.
5. Write the obituary and plan the service — ask for help; this is the part friends want to do.

First two months

1. Open probate (if needed) and obtain letters testamentary.
2. Inventory accounts, property and debts; notify banks and creditors.
3. Claim pensions, annuities, veterans' and Social Security survivor benefits.
4. Change titles on jointly held property; update your own will and beneficiaries.
5. File the final income-tax return by the following April.