What To Do When a Loved One Dies
Losing someone you love hits hard. Your world stops. And suddenly, you're facing decisions nobody wants to make. We get it. Our Raleigh team helps families through these tough times every day. Here's what you need to know, step by step.
First Things First: You Can Breathe
Take time to grieve. Nothing needs immediate action in those first moments after loss.
Feeling overwhelmed? That's normal. Your emotions matter more than paperwork right now. Sit with your loved one if you need to. Hospital staff understands. They'll give you space for prayers, rituals, or just quiet moments.
Call your pastor, rabbi, or whoever brings comfort. Reach out to family. Create that photo album. Plant that memorial tree. Write that letter. Whatever helps you process this loss, do it.
Feeling stuck in sadness for weeks? Professional support helps. Your loved one would want you to find peace. Take each moment as it comes. Ask for help when you need it.
Do I Need to Act Right Away?
Most tasks can wait hours or days. Only organ donation requires immediate action.
Here's the truth: Those first hours? You don't need to do anything. Really. Take your time.
The Exception: Organ Donation
If your loved one wanted to donate organs, act quickly. Otherwise, everything else can wait.
What About the Death Certificate?
A doctor or hospice nurse must officially pronounce death before you can get a death certificate.
No medical professional present? The hospital emergency room can help. They'll make the official declaration. You'll need that death certificate for several upcoming steps, so this matters.
Where Does My Loved One Go?
Funeral homes handle transportation from home. Hospitals and facilities often arrange this for you.
Lost a loved one at home? Call a funeral home. They'll handle everything respectfully. Hospital or nursing home? Staff typically manage these arrangements.
Did your loved one pre-select a funeral home? Check their papers. No prior plans? Family members choose together.
What About Kids and Pets?
Think your loved one left guardian instructions? Check their will first. No will or guardian named? Courts can issue emergency orders. This protects children and dependent adults immediately.
The same goes for pets. Someone needs to care for them right away.
Securing Property: The Practical Stuff
Lock up their house. Secure their car. Empty home? Tell police or the landlord. Extra eyes help.
Ask a trusted friend to:
Check mail daily
Clear messages
Toss perishable food
Water plants
These small tasks matter when you're grieving.
Did They Pre-Plan Their Funeral?
Check for pre-arranged funeral plans before making new arrangements.
Look through their papers. Many people pre-plan services. Found nothing? That's okay. Family and friends can help you decide.
Military veteran? Tell the funeral home. They'll arrange military honors if you'd like them.
Ready to write an obituary? Send it to local newspapers. Include any hometown papers too.
Now What? The Legal Process Begins
You've handled immediate needs. Time for estate administration (that's the legal term for settling affairs). Sounds simple? Not always. Small mistakes create big headaches later.
An experienced probate attorney saves you stress during this emotional time. We handle the complex legal work while you focus on healing.
Need help any time? Day or night? Contact our team. We guide families through this process compassionately.
Are You the Executor? Your Checklist
Named executor or successor trustee? Your plate just got fuller. Between funeral planning, out-of-town relatives, and legal meetings, you might feel buried. Take care of yourself first.
Here's your practical checklist for that attorney meeting:
Protect Property Now
Secure everything: vehicles, homes, businesses. Nobody touches property until legally distributed. Period.
Handle Mail
Forward it. Simple but necessary.
Share Values
Found an ethical will? (That's where people share life lessons.) Set aside time to share it meaningfully. Print copies for family members who'd treasure it.
Death Certificates
Get at least 5 copies. Trust us, you'll need them.
Notify Social Security
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Funeral directors often handle this, but double-check. Download their guide: "How Social Security Can Help You When A Family Member Dies."
Medicare Details
Handle any outstanding Medicare issues promptly.
Contact Their Employer
Ask about benefit options and final payments.
Insurance Matters
Stop health coverage. Notify life insurance companies. Wait to cancel some policies until you officially manage the estate. But start the paperwork now.
Preparing for Your Attorney Meeting
Probate might be necessary. Here's what to bring:
Original will or trust. Can't find it? Call us immediately. Bring any copies you have.
Bills and debts. Easier to bring actual statements and credit cards than writing lists. Do what works for you.
Professional contacts. List their financial advisor, insurance agent, tax person, other advisors.
Family information. Include everyone's contact info, even family not named in documents. Attorneys need the complete picture.
Final Administrative Tasks
Cancel driver's license, passport, voter registration
End club memberships
Close email and social media accounts
Shut down unneeded websites
Contact tax preparer
Some accounts require official estate authority before closing. Learn the procedures now, act when ready.
You're Not Alone
Handling a loved one's affairs while grieving feels impossible some days. That's why we're here. Our Wake County team understands both the legal complexities and the emotional weight you're carrying.
Call 919-647-9599 or visit The Walls Law Group today. Let us handle the legal heavy lifting while you focus on what matters: honoring your loved one and healing with your family.