Your path
One step, then the next. In order.
Scroll down and the path fills in as you go. Each stop has a short guide written in plain English, so you only read what matters right now.
Find your county programRight now
The first 48 hours
Take it one call at a time. Almost nothing has to be decided today except who will care for the person, and you do not have to do it alone.
- The first 48 hours checklistWhat actually has to happen first, and what can wait.
- Your rights with a funeral homeWhat the FTC Funeral Rule lets you ask for before you sign.
- If there is no money for a funeralHow county burial help works, and why to call before you sign.
- Find your county programThe office to call in your county, and what to say.
Week one
Paperwork and money owed to you
Once the first days settle, a few documents and a few payments are worth tracking down early.
Weeks two to four
The legal questions
About a week in, the harder questions arrive: a will, debts, and who is allowed to act for the estate.
When you are ready
Keep it organized, plan ahead
A checklist you can keep, and the one document that protects the people you love next.
- Your checklistKeep track of what is done and what is left.
- Free power of attorney forms for your stateThe financial and medical forms, with signing steps.
- Power of attorney, before you need itA family guide to setting one up while you can.
- If the death was a crimeCrime victim compensation can pay for a funeral.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and benefits vary by state and county, and each guide names its sources.