Checklist – What To Do Immediately After a Loved One Passes Away

When someone passes away, families are often faced with dozens of decisions and responsibilities in a very short amount of time. From contacting a funeral home and obtaining death certificates to notifying banks, insurance providers, and government agencies, it can quickly feel overwhelming — especially while grieving.

This checklist was created to help families in the Tampa Bay area better understand the immediate next steps after the loss of a loved one. While every situation is different, having a simple guide can make the process feel more manageable and help ensure that important tasks are not overlooked.

Below is a quick-reference checklist covering what to do in the first hours, days, and weeks after a passing. For a printable version you can save or share with family members, download the full checklist using the button below.

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Florida law states “A cremation may not be performed until a legally authorized person gives written authorization for such cremation,” (FS 497.607).  Furthermore, the law defines whom the “legally authorized person” is and sets up the order of priority of next of kin. We require a written authorization before scheduling any cremation or funeral services. The “Authorization for Cremation and Disposition” form must be signed by the next of kin in the following order: spouse, son or daughter (of legal age), parent, brother or sister, grandchild, grandparent.

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