What do I need to do in the first 24 hours after someone dies?
This practical first-week checklist provides a clear, calm reference so you know what must be handled now — and what can safely wait — without legal advice, pressure, or overwhelm.
Designed fo
- Individuals handling an unexpected death in the family
- Partners, relatives, or close friends managing immediate arrangements
- Anyone feeling frozen and searching “what do I do now?”
What This Document Covers
- What must be handled in the first 24 hours
- What can safely wait during days 2–3
- Who typically needs to be contacted — and who does not
- Which documents not to touch yet
- How to temporarily store important items and papers
- A simple structure to reduce mental overload
This is a calm, non-legal checklist document intended for internal use during a difficult moment.
Emergency & Absence Context
This checklist is intended for emergency and unexpected situations, including sudden death, loss of a partner, or immediate family bereavement.
Format & Delivery
- Printable PDF
- Instant download
- Internal use document
- No subscription
- Used once, saved forever
Important Note
This document does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice.
It is an operational reference designed to reduce confusion during the first days after a loss.
Related Resources
- Operational Memory – Home
- If the Person Who Knows Everything Is Gone – Emergency Reference
A simple, practical document to reduce stress and confusion during the first week after a loss.