Reviewed guide
What to do when someone dies: the first week
A simple sequence for the first calls, documents, and decisions, without trying to solve the whole estate at once.
By rip.com editorial • 9 min read • Last reviewed May 7, 2026
Reviewed by Elena Marsh, estate attorney, NY
What to do
- Confirm the death and ask the hospital, hospice, or first responder what happens next.
- Choose one family point person for calls, texts, and provider conversations.
- Order more death certificates than feels necessary; many institutions need originals.
- Pause non-urgent financial decisions until you know whether probate is needed.
Start with the next 24 hours
The first day is mostly about confirmation, transportation, and communication. If the person died under hospice care, call hospice first. If they died at home without hospice, call emergency services or the local non-emergency line for instructions.
Do not try to settle the estate in the first day. A better goal is to identify the person with authority to make immediate arrangements and collect the documents that will be needed later.
Keep a simple decision log
Write down who you spoke with, what they said, and any deadlines. This protects the family from repeat calls and helps later if siblings, executors, or providers disagree about what was decided.
A shared note is enough at first. The important part is that decisions are visible and reversible when possible.
Keep going
Turn this guidance into a trackable task list or provider search when you are ready. No popups, no pressure.