What to Do First After a Death: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

At Titan, many families reach out to us in the very first hours after a loss and say the same thing:
“We don’t know what we’re supposed to do right now.”

If this is how you’re feeling, you’re not alone. The moments after a death can feel confusing and heavy, and it’s completely normal to need guidance.

Below, we’ve outlined the first steps families usually take, slowly, clearly, and without pressure. If at any point you need extra support, Titan also offers personal guidance through our funeral concierge service at titanconcierge.com.

Step 1: Have the Death Officially Pronounced

Before anything else, the death must be officially pronounced by an authorized professional.

• In a hospital or nursing facility: Medical staff handles this.
  

• At home with hospice care: A hospice nurse will pronounce the death and guide next steps.
  

• At home without hospice: Local authorities may need to be contacted so a medical professional or coroner can confirm the death.
  

This step is required before arrangements can move forward.

Related Reading: What To Do When Someone Dies: A Simple Step-by-Step Checklist

Step 2: Notify Immediate Family and Close Contacts

Once the death is confirmed, many families take time to notify:

• Close family members
  

• Trusted friends
  

• A religious or spiritual leader, if applicable
  

There is no need to make all calls at once. It’s okay to ask someone you trust to help with notifications.

Step 3: Choose a Funeral Home

A funeral home will help coordinate next steps, including:

• Transportation of your loved one
  

• Filing the death certificate
  

• Planning burial or cremation services
  

If you already have a funeral home in mind, you can contact them directly. If not, hospitals or hospice providers can often help with referrals.

Step 4: Decide on Burial or Cremation (If Not Already Decided)

If your loved one left clear wishes, this decision may already be made. If not, it’s okay to pause and talk it through.

You don’t need to finalize every detail immediately, only the choice that allows arrangements to proceed.

Step 5: Begin Funeral or Memorial Planning

At this stage, families usually begin discussing:

• Service type and timing
  

• Burial or cremation arrangements
  

• Casket or urn selection
  

This process can feel emotional. It’s okay to take breaks and ask questions along the way.

Step 6: Gather Basic Personal Information

The funeral home will ask for basic details to complete legal documents, such as:

• Full legal name
  

• Date and place of birth
  

• Marital status
  

• Parents’ names
  

• Social Security number
  

Having this information ready can help prevent delays later.

Step 7: Take Care of Yourself

This step is often overlooked, but it matters.

• Keep fed and hydrated
  

• Rest when you can
  

• Accept help when it’s offered
  

There is no “right” way to move through this moment. Do what feels manageable.

How Titan Concierge Fit Into This Process

Titan supports families with transparent, compassionate guidance during funeral planning, including casket and urn selection. For families who need additional hands-on support, Titan Concierge provides personalized help through titanconcierge.com.

Through Titan Concierge, families can receive help with:

• Understanding what needs to happen next

• Coordinating with funeral homes and service providers

• Getting answers to questions as they arise, without urgency or pressure

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

A Final Thought

The first steps after a death don’t need to be perfect, they just need to be taken one at a time.

If you’re unsure what comes next, pause.
If you need help, ask.

We’re here to guide you through it, gently and respectfully.