He or she is dead -- now what?

Whether the death of a family member or friend is expected or sudden, there are many things which need to be done -- some, almost immediately.  This is a very stressful time and many survivors will not recognize the steps that need to be taken.

A very useful checklist is provided in What to do when a loved one dies, Consumer Reports, Oct. 2012, at 11.

The list is divided into three main sections:

(1) Immediate tasks,

(2) tasks to be done within a few days of death, and

(3) tasks which should be done within ten days of death.

In addition, the article explains the steps a person may take while alive to make the after-death process easier for the survivors.