Immediate Need
Resist Pressure
Hospitals, coroners and funeral service providers may pressure you to make a fast decision. You do need to decide fairly quickly, but you still have time to shop around before choosing.
DO NOT proceed before you have a contract
Once you authorize a provider to take possession of the deceased, you are likely also agreeing to very expensive transfer charges, especially if you later decide to change providers. RECOMMENDATION: Do not give the exact name or location of the deceased until you have signed a complete serviced agreement with your chosen funeral provider.
When time is of the essence...
If you need $ help
This organization does not offer direct financial support. Go to our pages Getting $ Help and Lowest Cost Way to Go.
If you need to find a funeral provider ASAP
First, refer to our instructions about selecting a funeral provider, so you can generally understand what you are looking for and how you should be treated before you contact anyone.
Second, if you need to talk with us, know that we may not be available at the moment you need, but we will try to reach you within 24 hours. We cannot pick a provider for you. This website is designed to give you what you need to do take action right away.
If someone is close to death
Questions to ask before death
- What their wishes are for final arrangements.
- If they made arrangements, what is the name of the mortuary, cemetery, etc and where can you find the documents.
- If they have funeral benefits from insurance, trusts, bank, or other source and where to find the documents.
- The information that will be needed for the death certificate.
- Personal details that may be needed to handle their possessions.
Actions to take after death
- Gather informaton that must be included on the Death Certificate.
- Find an authorized person to sign the Death Certificate.
- Arrange transportation for the deceased (if not handled by a funeral provider).
When someone has passed away
Look for Pre-Arrangements
- The deceased may have chosen a mortuary and may even have prepaid some of the costs (it is not possible to prepay all of the costs). Contact the chosen mortuary to proceed, especially if there has been prepayment.
- The deceased may have already purchased a cemetery plot; if so, notify the funeral director about it.
- The deceased may have set up a trust or bank account to pay for any funeral costs.
- The deceased may already have made arrangements for body-donation; contact the institution specified.