81 Decisions and Tasks that immediately follow a death

Vital Statistics to Gather

1. Full name and complete address
2. How long at current/former residence(s)
3. Occupation, job title, nature of work, and history
4. Location of workplace
5. Social security number
6. Veteran's serial number
7. Date and place of service, date of discharge
8. Date of birth
9. Place of birth
10. Family origin
11. Father's name
12. Mother's maiden name
13. Educational attainment

Pay Some or All of the Following Bills

14. Estate/inheritance taxes
15. Funeral expenses
16. Cemetery plot and opening and closing costs
17. Monument and engraving charges
18. Clergy
19. Organist and vocalist
20. Florist
21. Obituary
22. Dry cleaning for loved one's burial clothing
23. Transportation
24. Doctors
25. Nurses
26. Medical practioners
27. Ambulance
28. Hospital/nursing home
29. Medications and drugs
30. Current and urgent bills
      (mortgage, rent, taxes, installment payments, etc.)

Paperwork and Documents to Collect

31. Will
32. Birth certificate
33. Social security card
34. Marriage license
35. Military discharge
36. Insurance policies (life, health, accident, property, auto)
37. Bank books
38. Stocks and bonds
39. Property deed
40. Cemetery deed
41. Auto titles
42. Tax returns, receipts, and cancelled checks

Decisions to Make within a Few Hours

43. Exact location of burial/disposition (town, cemetery, or other)
44. Location of service (church, funeral home, or other)
45. Type of Casket (wood, metal, specialty)
46. Type of outer burial container (vault type)
47. Items for mementos or display
48. Clothing and jewelry for deceased to wear
49. Service type (religious, fraternal, military)
50. Selection of scripture and readings (poems, etc.)
51. Clergy to officiate
52. Funeral home preference
53. Time for visitation and service
54. Register book, memorial/prayer cards
55. Casket pallbearers
56. Floral arrangements
57. Music selections (for visitation and funeral service)
58. Transportation for family and guests, including
      funeral procession lineup
59. Reviewing and signing all paperwork
60. Answering innumerable phone calls, messages, and letters
61. Arranging for necessary meetings with funeral director,
      lawyer, clergy, cemetery, etc.
62. Arrange transportation and lodging for out of town guests
      (ask funeral director about bereavement rates)
63. Acknowledging those who help in a special way
      (contribution of flowers, food, etc.)
64. Special funeral service details and considerations

People to Notify as Soon as Possible

65. Relatives
66. Friends
67. Minister and church
68. The funeral home
69. Cemetery
70. Doctor
71. Employer of deceased
72. Employers of relatives
73. Casketbearers
74. Organist or other musicians and vocalists
75. Newspapers
76. Social Security Administration
77. Veterans Administration
78. Insurance agents
79. Religious, fraternal, and civic organizations and unions
80. Attorney, accountant, and executor
81. Credit card companies