When someone you love dies, there are dozens of decisions, phone calls and forms, all at once. This printable checklist and planner turns that overwhelming list into small, clear steps, in the right order, so nothing important is missed and you don’t have to hold it all in your head.

Written in plain, gentle language for families in the United States: spouses, adult children, executors and anyone helping a grieving family.

What to do when someone dies: inside the planner

The first 24 hours: the few things that truly need doing today
The first week: funeral home, death certificates, the will, the obituary
Funeral and memorial planning worksheet and an obituary worksheet
Who to notify checklists: Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, DMV, banks, credit cards, the three credit bureaus, insurers, utilities and subscriptions
Death certificate tracker, so you know where every certified copy went
Accounts and assets inventory, bills and debts tracker and insurance claims log
Digital life checklist for email, phones, passwords and social media
Executor’s checklist for the first three months and for months three to twelve
Home, vehicles and belongings checklist, important documents locator, call log and estate expense log
A gentle page on caring for yourself while you grieve

Details

24 printable pages, US Letter (8.5 x 11 in); prints well on A4
Instant PDF download after purchase; print as many copies as your family needs
Calm, easy-to-read design with large tick boxes and roomy tables

This planner is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules vary by state; please consult an estate attorney or accountant for your situation. Digital download only; nothing is shipped.

executor checklist

What to Do When Someone Dies: Checklist & Planner (Printable PDF)