The First 72 Hours
The immediate steps after a death — who to call first, what to do if it was unexpected, how to select a funeral home, and what not to do in those early hours.
All guides
Working with Police & the Coroner
When law enforcement gets involved, what the coroner does, and how to request a death investigation report.
Read guide →Finding a Funeral Home
How to choose one under pressure, what the Funeral Rule protects you from, and questions to ask before signing anything.
Read guide →Death Certificates
How many to order, where to get certified copies, what each institution requires, and what it costs by state.
Read guide →Benefits to Claim
Social Security survivor benefits, VA death benefits, life insurance, and employer-paid benefits — with the deadlines that matter.
Read guide →Estate Administration
Probate basics, what to do with a will, how to handle accounts, and when you need an estate attorney.
Read guide →Employer HR Checklist
Bereavement leave, stopping payroll, 401(k) and pension beneficiary claims, and COBRA deadlines.
Read guide →Scams Targeting the Bereaved
The most common scams — creditors claiming debts, fake charities, estate fraud — and how to shut them down.
Read guide →Grief Resources
Counseling, support groups, online communities, and resources for children navigating loss.
Read guide →Planning ahead?
Get your own affairs in order.
Wills, advance directives, digital estate, and everything else that should be documented before it needs to be.