What should I do first after someone dies?

First, take a breath. Then start gathering the basic information.

Helpful items include the will, trust, death certificate, financial account statements, real estate records, life insurance information, retirement account information, vehicle titles, bills, and names of family members or beneficiaries.

We usually need to know what assets exist, how they are titled, whether there are beneficiary designations, and who is named as trustee or executor.

Not everything has to be solved in the first week. The first step is usually figuring out what process is actually needed.

*Reviewed by Estate Planning Attorney Casey Connealy, Partner at Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys on June 23, 2026.