What to Do When Someone Dies: Complete Step-by-Step Guides & Checklists for Every Stage
Our step-by-step after-death planning guides are designed to ease the process and provide all the information you need to make informed decisions and navigate your end-of-life arrangements with confidence.
How To Use Our Planning Guides & Checklists
Each of our planning guides comes in two parts. Part one is a What to Do When Someone Dies: Complete Step-by-Step Guide that provides detailed information about what you need to know and what you need to do at every step along the way. Part two is our Checklist: Think of it as your hard copy to-do list to fill out after reading the accompanying guide. It’s also a great place to take notes, write down information and keep track of progress and ideas.
Available in Two Formats
Our SevenPonds Comprehensive Step-by-Step Planning Guides are available both online and in a downloadable printed version: just click on the topic you’re interested in below. The Checklist that accompanies each guide can be downloaded and printed from the specific planning guide page.
If you’re unable to find something or need help understanding it, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to help.
What to Do When Someone Dies
Learn what to do when a loved one is near death or has died. This section provides step‑by‑step practical guidance to help navigate immediate decisions and responsibilities that arise during this profoundly difficult time.
How to Plan Funeral Arrangements & Disposition
Learn what options to consider when arranging a funeral or final disposition. This step-by-step section covers traditional choices like burial and cremation alongside emerging alternatives that may better reflect personal values or environmental concerns.
How to Settle the Estate
Review the tasks necessary to settle the estate of someone who has died. From securing property and locating important documents to managing debts, taxes, and insurance policies, this section breaks down the complex process into manageable steps.
Planning a Celebration of Life or Remembrance Event
Plan a celebration of life that will honor your loved one’s memory. This section guides you through creating a meaningful celebration with step-by-step advice for organizing guest invitations and remembrance rituals that keep their spirit alive.
Ways to Cope with Grief
Explore tools and coping strategies to help you move through grief. This section offers compassionate guidance for individuals and families navigating loss, including practical approaches for supporting children and recognizing when professional help might be beneficial.
Other Topics You May Be Interested In
Cremation
Learn why cremation is now the most popular form of final disposition.
Low Cost Funeral Arrangements
Find tips about how to save money on funeral costs.
Coping With Grief and Loss
Explore ways of coping with loss and grief.