We have here compiled worksheets to use for: 1) preparing plans for you after to you die or 2) plans for handling the myriad details of a deceased. Where possible, the list starts with the timeliest or most important items.

Notification List

Who to contact, when and for what. (If you are preparing this list for your survivors, it can be very helpful to have a master list.) Contact:

1. 911 or local authorities — immediately when you are with someone who dies .
2. Coroner — within 24 hours. The authorities should contact the coroner, but you may want to coordinate with him or her.
3. Doctors as soon as possible — Do you want an autopsy? (Autopsies may be done when there is a sudden or unexplained death or the family wants specific disease information for the family medical history. You can either tell your doctor or the funeral home. If the death occurs in the hospital, the decision should be made before the body is taken from the hospital. There is no cost to the family if a doctor or the coroner feels an autopsy is necessary and orders it to be done.)
4. Executor — as soon as possible.
5. Nearest relatives and friends — as soon as possible. Help develop a call list. You call the primary people on the list and have them call everyone they know that is appropriate. Keep a list of people called.
6. Casket company, cemetery, and funeral director — within 24 hours.
7. Employer — on the first business day after death, if the deceased works.
8. Attorney — on next business day.
9. Insurance Agents — on next business day.
10. Religious, Fraternal, Civic, Veterans organization, Unions — within 2 days – should the deceased belong to any of these organizations.