What to Do in the First Two Weeks After a Loved One Dies: A Florida Checklist

In the first days after someone you love passes away, the grief is heavy and the to-do list feels endless. Phone calls, paperwork, and decisions all seem to arrive at once, usually when you have the least energy to face them.

You do not have to do everything right away, although these things do need to get done. And you do not have to do it alone. A short, clear checklist can help you focus on what truly matters in the first two weeks. Some tasks in Florida also carry real deadlines, which is why many families start searching for probate law firms near me during this time. Here is a calm, practical order to follow.

Days 1 to 3: Take Care of the Immediate Basics

Right after a death, only a handful of things truly need your attention. Give yourself permission to leave the rest for later.

• Get a legal pronouncement of death. If your loved one passed in a hospital or care facility, staff will handle this. At home, you may need to call 911 or hospice.
• Contact a funeral home or cremation provider to begin arrangements.
• Let close family and friends know, and lean on them for help.
• Make sure the home, pets, and any vehicles are looked after.

This is also the moment to locate your loved one’s important papers, especially the original will if there is one. You will need it soon.

Order Certified Death Certificates Early

One task quietly affects almost everything else: ordering certified copies of the death certificate. Banks, insurers, and government agencies will each want their own copy.

The funeral home usually helps you request these. It is wise to order more than you think you need, often ten or more, since gathering extra copies later can slow you down. Some agencies accept a copy that shows the cause of death (often called the “long form”), while others require a version without the cause of death (the “short form”). Having both types on hand helps, although you will want a much larger quantity of the short form.

The Florida 10-Day Will Rule

Here is a deadline that catches many families by surprise. Under Florida law, whoever holds the original will is its custodian, and that person must deposit it with the clerk of court in the county where your loved one lived within 10 days of learning about the death.

This rule applies whether or not the estate ever goes through a full court process. Depositing the will is not the same as opening probate; it simply places the document with the court as the law requires. If you are holding a will and feel unsure about this step, this is a good reason to talk with a good probate and estate attorney promptly.

Notify Key Agencies and Institutions

Over the first two weeks, you will need to tell several organizations about the death. Spreading these calls across a few days keeps the task manageable. Common notifications include:

• Social Security Administration (the funeral home often reports the death, but confirm it was done).
• Any pension plan, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or an employer, if they apply.
• Banks, credit unions, and investment or retirement account providers.
• Life insurance companies, to begin any claims.
• Medicare, health insurers, and the person’s physicians.

Keep a simple log of who you contacted and when. That record becomes surprisingly useful in the early weeks ahead.

Protect Property and Avoid Early Mistakes

In the rush to “handle things,” well-meaning families sometimes act too quickly. A few gentle cautions can save real trouble later.

Try not to pay the deceased person’s debts out of your own pocket, and avoid rushing to distribute belongings or close accounts before you understand the full picture. Keep the home secure, forward the mail, and cancel obvious subscriptions, but leave bigger financial moves until you have proper authority.

It also helps to understand what will need probate and what will not. Assets with named beneficiaries, such as life insurance and many retirement accounts, and property held jointly with survivorship rights, often pass directly without court involvement. Assets in the person’s name alone are the ones that usually require a probate process.

When Should You Call an Attorney?

You do not have to wait until every document is gathered to ask for guidance. Speaking with an attorney early can help you understand which path fits your situation. You’ll get comfort and clarity about the path forward.

Florida offers a simplified option called summary administration for smaller estates, and as of July 1, 2026, that option is available when non-exempt probate assets are $150,000 or less, or when the person has been deceased for more than two years. Larger or more complex estates may need formal administration. An attorney who focuses on estate administration can help you choose the right approach and avoid missteps.

Key Takeaways

• Focus first on the pronouncement of death, funeral arrangements, and securing the home, pets, and property.
• Order plenty of certified death certificates early, since nearly every institution will ask for one.
• Florida’s 10-day rule requires the will’s custodian to deposit the original will with the court after learning of the death.
• Notify Social Security, insurers, banks, and other key institutions, and keep a log of each contact.
• Avoid paying debts personally or distributing assets too soon and talk with a probate attorney about whether summary or formal administration applies.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest experiences, and the legal side should not add to your burden. A clear plan for the first two weeks can bring a small measure of order to a difficult time. At Legacy Planning Law Group, attorney Bill O’Leary helps Florida families understand their next steps and move through estate administration with less stress and more confidence. If you have questions about handling a loved one’s estate, we are here to help you find clarity and peace of mind. Schedule a free discovery call to learn more.

Request a free consultation

References: The Florida Bar “Consumer Pamphlet: Probate in Florida” and Kiplinger (August 24, 2022) “A Checklist for What to Do (and NOT Do) After Someone Dies”