A Death Has Occurred: What to Do First
When a death occurs, it can be overwhelming and challenging to know where to start. Your first step should be to contact the funeral home as soon as possible.
We are here to provide support and help with every detail, ensuring you don’t have to face this alone.
Who to Call First When a Loved One Dies
Whether you were with your loved one or received the call from afar, the initial shock and confusion are natural. However, if you are responsible for arranging the funeral, moving forward with a clear plan can ease the process. If the death took place in a hospital or care facility, the staff may assist with initial arrangements, such as contacting the funeral home.
To inform others, you may want to call a few key family members or friends and ask them to share the news. If you’re alone, consider inviting a friend or neighbour to stay with you during these first few hours.
Understanding Your Role as the Responsible Family Member
In some cases, the person making the initial call may not be the legal representative authorized to make final decisions. If no specific instructions were left by the deceased, the responsibility typically follows an order of precedence:
- Legal Spouse/Partner
- Surviving Adult Child/Children
- Surviving Parent
- Surviving Adult Sibling
- Ex-Spouse
- Parent of Minor Child
If you’re uncertain about your role, please reach out to us, or the family attorney, for guidance.
Schedule with a Funeral Director
Arranging to meet with one of our funeral director within 24 hours of a death allows you to begin planning the final arrangements with compassionate guidance.
Our experienced funeral directors can meet with you at the funeral home or, for your convenience, at your home. While making these arrangements may feel overwhelming, our staff has years of experience, and we’re here to help ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
During The Arrangement Meeting
During your meeting, the funeral director will help you gather essential information needed for the death certificate, including:
- Full Name and Address
- Marital Status
- Date and City of Birth
- Parents’ Names (including mother’s maiden name) and birthplaces
- Name of Spouse (if married or widowed)
- Occupation
If pre-planning was not completed, the funeral director will guide you through the necessary arrangements for the funeral, including:
- Scheduling the location, date, and time for the visitation and funeral service
- Choosing between burial services, cremation services, or even green burial services
- Arranging a cemetery plot if needed
- Preparing and publishing an obituary notice
- Scheduling transportation for the service
