When Your Loved One Dies

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Addressing the many loose ends feels oppressive and never-ending.

  • “I’m overwhelmed with the many entities I need to contact.”
  • “I’m confused about who to notify when, and in what order.”
  • “I lack confidence that I’ll remember everything I need to do.”
  • “I feel awkward asking too many questions about what to do.”

What if there was a comprehensive master checklist to help you feel:

  • Relieved to have a list to work from.
  • Reassured that you haven’t forgotten anything.
  • Calm when challenges pop up during the process.
  • Confident you’re able to tackle the many tasks, one at a time.

“The ‘business’ of death can be a daunting experience: the When Your Loved One Dies website is a phenomenal guide to help you systematically sort and complete those tasks at your own pace, in your own time.”

—Susan W., LCSW, Hospice Social Worker

“This is so much cleaner and easier to use than the myriad of others out there.”

—L.A., Patient Advocate

“This checklist was the most comprehensive and easy to follow of any received. I especially like the line-item column format of immediate, organizations, bills, etc.”

—Joyce M.

You’ve got questions; I’ve got answers

Who is this for?
This checklist would be useful for:

  • Anyone directly responsible for administrative tasks following the death of a partner, parent, or other family member.
  • Anyone who knows someone dealing with a recent loss and feels the list might be helpful to their family.
What exactly is included in the checklist?
There are two formats: the A downloadable PDF version and a Google Docs version that can be especially useful when you’re working through the list with someone else (such as your sibling or child).

  • Section 1: Immediate actions.
  • Section 2: Notifications.
  • Section 3: Billing and purchases.
  • Section 4: Other accounts.
  • Section 5: Technology.
  • Section 6: Items to donate or sell.
  • Section 7: Thanks & gratitude.
How do I get the checklist?
The checklist is available at no cost to anyone who wants to use it. Feel free to share this website. Download both checklist formats.

You don’t even need to enter your email address to get it, so you won’t find yourself receiving additional emails.
How can I give feedback?
All feedback is welcome!

  • Got a suggestion for something to add to the list?
  • Have a question about anything that seems unclear?
  • Want to provide feedback about how it worked for you?

Contact me!