This guidebook contains tips from ARAG on what to do when a loved one dies.
Losing someone you love can turn your world upside down. Along with grief, families are often faced with urgent decisions, unfamiliar paperwork and legal and financial responsibilities they never expected to handle.
This free guide is designed to help you understand what typically needs to be done after a death, so you can focus on what matters most while feeling more confident about next steps.
Why end-of-life planning matters – even after a loss
End‑of‑life planning isn’t only about preparing for the future. It also helps families navigate the immediate days and weeks after a loved one passes away.
Knowing what documents to locate, who to notify and how final arrangements are handled can reduce stress, avoid delays and help ensure your loved one’s wishes are honored. Having clear information during an emotional time can make an overwhelming situation feel more manageable.
What you need to know
This guide offers practical, easy‑to‑understand information to help families deal with the legal and logistical realities that often follow a death.
Important documents you may need
Learn which key documents are commonly required after a death, including wills, trusts, death certificates and records related to assets, insurance and financial accounts.
Making final arrangements
Get guidance on funeral and burial or cremation decisions, including understanding costs, consumer protections and how responsibilities are typically handled.
Handling legal and financial matters
Discover how estates are managed, what happens if there isn’t a will or trust and how financial obligations and ongoing expenses are commonly addressed.
Benefits, income and notifications
Understand what steps may be needed to notify government agencies, employers and benefit providers, and how survivor benefits may apply.
Managing digital and personal accounts
Learn why it’s important to address social media accounts, digital access and personal records as part of handling a loved one’s affairs.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when a loved one dies?
In the first days after a death, families often focus on notifying close relatives, locating important documents and making initial arrangements. Funeral homes can also help with tasks such as ordering death certificates and notifying certain agencies.
What documents are typically needed after a death?
Commonly needed documents include a will or trust (if one exists), certified copies of the death certificate, insurance policies, financial account records and information related to benefits or debts.
Who is responsible for making funeral arrangements?
If a loved one left instructions, those wishes should be followed. If not, state laws usually determine who has the authority to make decisions and who is initially responsible for costs, which may later be paid from the estate if funds are available.
What happens if there is no will or estate plan?
When someone dies without a will, state law generally determines how assets are distributed and who may be appointed to manage the estate. This process can take more time and may not reflect what the person would have wanted.
Do I need legal help after a loved one dies?
Legal guidance can be helpful when handling estates, benefits, debts or unresolved questions. While not every situation requires an attorney, professional support may help prevent mistakes and reduce stress during an emotional time.
