Death checklist: An empathetic guide for a difficult time

When someone passes away – whether at home, in hospital or in a care facility – you first need a moment to take a deep breath. A doctor must determine the death as soon as possible and issue the death certificate. This contains important information, such as the time of death and the cause of death. If the cause of death is not clear, the police must be informed. 

What counts at this moment:

• Inform loved ones gently
• Notify the employer of the event of death
• Notify home-care services or other support persons
• Ensure pets are taken care of
• Cancel upcoming appointments

In the days following the death, the focus is on organizing the funeral. Planning the funeral service itself can be a valuable moment of saying goodbye. An empathetic funeral director can guide you through this process and take on many organizational tasks.

What to do now:

• Contact a funeral director
• Determine the type of burial (e.g. burial in the ground, cremation or burial at sea), and the place and time of the funeral service – ideally in accordance with the wishes of the deceased person
• Compose and publish obituary (print/online)
• Choose music, personal words and rituals to remember the deceased person
• Organize flower arrangements and decorations for the burial
• Prepare thank you cards

After the funeral service, another, often challenging, part begins: Formalities surrounding the death. Some of these tasks can be taken over by the funeral home, but many remain with the relatives. Even if it's difficult – these things create legal clarity and provide orientation for the coming weeks.

These tasks now need to be dealt with:

• Report the death to the registry office – with death certificate, ID and family book
• Apply for a death certificate as official confirmation of death (required for authorities, banks, insurance companies, etc.)
• Inform the residents' registration office, deregister the deceased person
• Update family book, have marital status recorded (e.g. for married persons)
• Have marriage documents updated, if applicable (e.g. new marital status of the surviving dependent)

Many financial and legal issues cannot be postponed. Especially in the time after the funeral, it is helpful to proceed step by step – and to seek professional support if you are unsure.

You should tackle this now:

• Have bank accounts blocked to prevent misuse – death certificate required
• Submit a will and have it opened by the competent authority
• Apply for a certificate of inheritance in order to have legal access to the estate
• Notify insurance companies, including life, accident, health insurance and OASI
• Clarify pension entitlements, e.g. widow's/widower's pension or orphan's pension
• Consult a tax advisor, e.g. for the last tax return or for inheritance issues

After the farewell, you will need to sort out the inheritance. Whether it's a rented apartment or their own home – the living situation of the deceased person must be settled. At the same time, questions will arise about personal items, digital access and long-term memories.

This needs to be done now:

• Clarify the living situation – terminate or transfer rental agreement, check financing (e.g. mortgage) for residential property, and make new arrangements if necessary
• Organize a household clearance, alone or with professional help
• Carefully go through valuables and personal mementos
• Take care of the digital estate, e.g. email accounts, social media, online services
• Plan grave care and any memorial service and, if necessary, discuss with relatives
• Legal administration of the estate – recording assets and debts, arranging distribution in accordance with the will or the law
• Involve an executor or legal support if there are uncertainties

Saying goodbye to a loved one is not only an organizational challenge, but above all an emotional one. Do not hesitate to seek professional help – be it psychological counseling, grief groups or pastoral care.

Many people find comfort in sharing their experiences with other sufferers. You may also want to send thank you cards or create a personalized place of remembrance.

The better your personal wishes and documents are prepared, the easier it will be for relatives in the event of an emergency. Our "Arrangements in the event of death" checklist will help you to compile important documents and information in good time – from funeral wishes to contract overviews.