What Are the Steps to Follow When Someone Passes Away?

When a loved one dies, it is natural not to know where to begin. The clearest first step to take when someone passes away is contacting a funeral home that can guide you through the entire process, from the medical death certificate to burial or cremation. Professional guidance lets you act calmly and ensures everything is done with respect and within the law.

5 steps to take when someone passes away

When someone passes away, acting with calm and clarity is essential. These are the main steps to begin the process correctly:

• Contact the funeral home:
  The essential first step. If the family already has a pre-arranged funeral plan, the process is smoother. If not, reach out to a trusted funeral home offering immediate support.
• Obtain the medical death certificate:
  This document authorizes the transfer of the body and the funeral arrangements. It must be issued by a doctor or health center.
• Transfer of the body:
  A funeral agent moves the deceased from home, hospital or clinic to the facilities where preparation and the viewing take place.
• Decide the type of service:
  The family chooses between a traditional burial, cremation or repatriation. The funeral home helps with the necessary documents and details.
• Arrange the viewing or ceremony:
  At the memorial park or viewing room, everything is prepared for the farewell: flowers, religious service, music or psychological support.
• Each stage requires special attention and professional support.

Can a funeral company handle matters after the burial?

Yes. Funeral homes also handle later matters, such as the delivery of ashes, guidance on legal procedures and follow-up with families for their emotional well-being. At La Piedad, our commitment does not end with the ceremony: we accompany families with empathy even after the service.

Other steps to take when someone passes away

Beyond the funeral arrangements, there are important matters to handle calmly and in an organized way:

• Plan the funeral and the commemorative details.
• Close bank accounts and contracts.
• Take care of the deceased’s belongings and assets.
• Rehome pets, if there were any.
• Pay off any outstanding debts or bills.
• These actions protect the deceased’s assets and fulfill the legal responsibilities that follow.

What to do after a death?

Once the immediate process is complete, there are other essential steps:

Death registration record

Request it at the Registro Civil (Civil Registry) once the medical certificate is issued. The record enables legal procedures, insurance claims, inheritances and account closures. Read more in our article: The difference between a death certificate and a death registration record.

Notify family and friends

Inform loved ones of what has happened, preferably by a personal call or message, to avoid misunderstandings or inaccurate news.

What to do in the days after the loss?

• Protect personal assets: secure properties, vehicles and belongings.
• Care for pets: arrange for their care or adoption.
• Request copies of the death registration record: useful for legal procedures and cancellations.
• Consult an attorney: for matters of inheritance or trusts.
• Contact an accountant: for settlements or tax filings.
• Cancel services and subscriptions: internet, phone, insurance or licenses.
• Close online accounts and email: to prevent fraud or identity theft.

Notify the following entities:

• Financial and banking institutions.
• Insurance companies.
• Credit or lending entities.
• Financial or accounting advisors.

Keeping information up to date prevents future problems and protects the deceased’s legacy. You can also review the official procedures at the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE).

Facing the process with support and serenity

Knowing what steps to take when someone passes away lets you act with calm and clarity during one of life’s hardest moments. A trustworthy funeral home and suitable memorial parks ensure the process is carried out with respect, empathy and full legal compliance.

At La Piedad, we accompany you from the very first moment with our funeral packages and our spacious memorial parks in Costa Rica, where every detail is cared for with human warmth.