If you are reading this in difficult days: our sincere condolences — this list was made so that you don't have to think right now. If you are reading it in advance: print it out or save it in the family folder — one day it will be a great help.
- The list is chronological: first hours, first days, first weeks — you only ever need to look at the current stage.
- Very few tasks are truly urgent — the list shows what needs doing today, and what can wait.
- The tasks can be shared within the family — you can write a name next to each item on the list.
The first hours
- Notifying a doctor for a death at home, the GP or the on-call doctor – they carry out the medical examination of the death; in an institution, the institution handles this
- Notifying the closest family members for now, just them – the wider circle can wait
- Asking for a helper a relative or friend who will be by your side with the arrangements over the coming days
The first days
- Engaging a funeral service provider with an itemized quote – they can also help with the registry office paperwork
- Arranging the death certificate at the registrar's office – several copies can be useful
- Agreeing on the date and form of the farewell if there is a written wish in the family folder, it is your compass now
- Getting out the family folder policy, contacts, wishes – if it exists, it saves a lot of searching
- Contacting the parish if there will be a religious ceremony – the funeral provider can also help with the contact
The first weeks
- Filing the claim with the insurer by phone with the insurer or online – certificate, policy details, the beneficiary's documents
- Notifying the wider circle relatives, friends, workplace, neighbours – a task that can be shared
- Notifying the bank(s) how the accounts are handled follows the probate rules – the bank will inform you
- Reviewing regular commitments utilities, subscriptions, insurance policies – what ends, what gets transferred
- Pension and official matters notifying the pension provider and the relevant authorities – probate will begin in its own course
The detailed steps for filing an insurance claim: the filing article · the documents you need: document list.
And one point that is not a task
It is also all right to pause. This list was designed to give a few clear steps for each stage – whatever doesn't fit today will still be there tomorrow, and you can also ask others for help. The practical arrangements serve grief, not the other way around – that is what the balance article is about.
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