What Should I Do First?

Take a breath. You do not have to handle everything at once.

If your loved one dies at home, call 911 so the proper authorities can establish the time of death and help with next steps. If your loved one dies in a hospital or care facility, the staff will usually guide you through the immediate process.

If your loved one wished to be an organ donor or make an anatomical gift, tell medical staff or emergency responders right away.

Who Should I Call After a Loved One Dies?

Start with the people and professionals who can help you make calm, informed decisions.

You may need to contact:

• The funeral home or mortuary
• Close family and friends
• Your loved one’s clergy or faith leader, if applicable
• An estate planning or elder law attorney
• A guardian, trustee, power of attorney, or other fiduciary
• Your loved one’s employer, pension provider, or other income sources
• Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
• Medicaid, if your loved one received Medicaid benefits

A lawyer can help you understand what authority you have before you act. This can help prevent family conflict, delays, and possible personal liability.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

You will likely need several certified copies of the death certificate. Photocopies are often not accepted.

In Florida, it is usually helpful to order death certificates without the cause of death listed. This is important because some death certificates may need to be recorded in public records, and Florida law limits recording death certificates that show the cause of death. Typically, the funeral home is a good place to start when ordering death certificates.

A common starting point is to order at least 10 certified copies without cause of death, plus additional copies for life insurance policies and accounts with beneficiaries.

What Documents Should I Gather?

Try to locate important papers as soon as you can. These may include:

• Will or trust documents
• Pre-need funeral plan or cemetery papers
• Life insurance policies
• Bank and investment statements
• Deeds and property records
• Safe deposit box keys
• Recent tax returns
• Military discharge papers
• Health insurance information
• Medicaid or long-term care documents

These documents can help determine whether probate is needed and who has legal authority to act.

Does a Will Avoid Probate in Florida?

Not always. In Florida, a will generally must be filed with the probate court in the county where the person lived within 10 days of death.

A will does not automatically avoid probate. Probate may still be needed for assets titled only in the deceased person’s name. Assets with beneficiaries, joint owners, or trust ownership may be handled differently.

Because every family and estate is different, it is wise to speak with an attorney before moving money, paying debts, or distributing property.

What About Bills, Bank Accounts, and Debts?

Be careful before paying bills or agreeing to be responsible for debts. You are usually not personally responsible for a loved one’s debts unless you signed something making you responsible.

Access to accounts depends on how they were titled. Joint accounts, beneficiary accounts, trust accounts, and accounts in the deceased person’s name alone may all be treated differently.

Don’t Forget Pets, Mail, and Personal Items

Pets may need immediate care. Mail and subscriptions may need to be forwarded or canceled. Personal belongings should be handled with patience and respect.

It may help to ask a trusted family member or friend to help with these tasks.

Take Care of Yourself, Too

Grief is not a checklist. While there are important steps to take, your health matters too. Ask for help. Accept support. Give yourself time.

The goal is not to do everything perfectly. The goal is to take the next right step.

Need Help After a Loved One Has Passed Away?

If you are unsure what to do next, Team Legacy can help you understand your options and move forward with clarity.