What To Do When Someone Dies: A Practical Guide in a Difficult Time from the team at Daisybox.

Losing someone you love is always heartbreaking—even when you knew the time was near. The emotional weight can be overwhelming, making it hard to think clearly about what needs to happen next. While we can never truly prepare for loss, we can be prepared for what to do when it occurs.

This guide gently walks you through the first important steps after a death—whether it happens at home, in a hospital, or in a care facility.

1. Get a Doctor’s Confirmation of Death

The first step is to have a doctor officially confirm the death and issue a medical certificate. If the person passed away in a hospital or nursing home, the staff will usually arrange this for you. If not, contact the person’s doctor or emergency services. This certificate is required before a funeral director can take over care.

2. Inform the Right People

Letting others know about the death is emotionally difficult but necessary. Here’s who you may need to contact:

• Family and close friends – They’ll be your first line of emotional support and can help with arrangements.

• Next of kin – If that’s not you, notify them immediately. They may be responsible for legal and financial matters.

• Insurance providers – If you’re the next of kin or executor, contact any known life insurance companies to begin the claims process.

3. Register the Death

A death must be officially registered with the relevant state or territory authority. If you’re working with a funeral director, they usually take care of this for you. If not, contact the state registry of births, deaths, and marriages directly.

4. Locate the Will and Understand the Estate

If the person left a Will, it will name an executor—the person legally responsible for managing the estate. The executor will need to apply for probate, a court-issued document giving them authority to handle the deceased’s assets.

If there is no Will, the next of kin must apply for what’s called letters of administration to settle the estate. This may involve locating assets across different states or countries, which can require a reseal of probate.

Start by searching the deceased’s files, legal correspondence, or contact their lawyer or the state registry to locate the Will.

5. Plan the Funeral

Funeral arrangements often begin once the Will is found, as it may contain specific wishes—like whether the person wanted to be buried or cremated. The next step is usually contacting a funeral director, who can help guide you through the process and coordinate logistics like transport and burial or cremation. It's always best to pre-plan a funeral so your'e completely aware of upfront costs and whether or not the funeral home offers Daisybox cardboard and/or wicker caskets.

6. Plan Ahead for the People You Love

The most helpful thing you can do for your loved ones is to leave a Will of your own. A Will ensures your final wishes are followed, your estate is distributed as intended, and someone you trust is named to handle everything. It eases confusion, prevents disputes, and brings peace of mind to those you leave behind.

Final Note

This guide is meant to support you during a difficult time, offering practical steps to take after someone dies. It is not a substitute for legal or financial advice. If you’re unsure about any step, consider speaking with a lawyer or estate professional.