Free guide for families
A free, step-by-step guide to help you through this difficult time.
Clear guidance for the first hours, days, and weeks — written with care for families, not lawyers.
Trusted by 10,000+ families across all 50 states
Immediate steps
These five actions are time-sensitive. Handle them as soon as you are able.
You will need multiple certified copies — typically 10 or more — for banks, insurers, and government agencies. The funeral home usually helps obtain these.
The funeral home will transport the body, file paperwork, and guide the next steps. You have the right to shop around and are not obligated to use the hospital's recommendation.
Call 1-800-772-1213 to report the death. Any Social Security payment sent for the month of death must be returned, and survivors may be eligible for benefits.
Ensure the residence is locked, pets are cared for, and valuables are safe. If there is a vehicle, keep it secured and do not transfer ownership yet.
Make direct phone calls before posting anything publicly. Close family and friends deserve to hear the news personally — not through social media.
State guides
Death certificate requirements, probate timelines, and next-of-kin laws vary widely by state.
Funeral home directory
Compare verified funeral homes by price, services, and location. You have the right to choose — take your time.
Cost transparency
Funeral homes are legally required to provide pricing on request. Here are the national averages so you can negotiate with confidence.
National averages for 2026. Actual costs vary by region and provider.
Featured articles
Practical articles on every step — from cremation costs to closing bank accounts.
Direct cremation is the most affordable cremation option, typically $700–$2,000. Learn exactly what is included, what happens to the ashes, and whether it is right for your family.
Cremation averages $1,500–$3,500. Burial averages $9,000–$12,000. Compare costs, environmental impact, religious considerations, and practical factors to decide what is right.
A step-by-step guide to writing an obituary. Includes what to include, how long it should be, where to publish it, and a free template you can use.
Most debt does not pass to family members. Learn which debts the estate must pay, when family can be held responsible, and what debt collectors can and cannot legally do.
Full checklist
Every task has a time window. Here is a preview of what needs to happen — and when.
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State Guides
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Free Articles
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Printable Checklist
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Funeral Homes Listed
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