First steps when someone dies
If they passed at home, call 911, or the hospice nurse if they were in hospice. Get several copies of the death certificate, look for a will, keep their home safe, and let Social Security and their bank know. Don’t pay their debts from your own money; debts are usually paid from what they left.
Your checklist
- Call 911 or the hospice nurse
- Get several copies of the death certificate
- Look for a will and papers
- Keep their home safe
- Tell Social Security, their bank and employer
- Don’t pay debts from your own money
- Ask if probate is needed
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
The first day
There’s no rush to decide everything. If they passed at home, call 911; if they were in hospice care, call the hospice nurse. Then contact a funeral home.
The first weeks
- Get several copies of the death certificate. The funeral home can usually order them.
- Look for a will and important papers: desks, files, a safe, and any safe deposit box.
- Keep their home safe: lock up, collect the mail, keep the heat or power on.
- Let Social Security, their bank, their employer and insurance companies know.
Money and debts
Don’t pay their debts from your own money. Debts are usually paid from what they left behind. The executor may need to go through probate, the court process to pay final bills and pass on what’s left.
When to get help
A house, a large estate, or family disagreements are good reasons to talk to an estate lawyer.
Common questions
Do I have to pay my parent’s debts?
Usually not from your own money. Debts are generally paid from the estate. Some exceptions exist, like debts you co-signed.
Is probate always needed?
Not always. Small estates or property with named beneficiaries may skip it. Rules vary by state.
Talk to an estate lawyer near you
Many offer a free first call.
No one is listed here yet. Check back soon.
Know someone who needs this?
Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.