Contributed by: Sandra Adams, CFP®
When a spouse or partner dies, the world can shift in an instant. Even when plans are in place, the surviving partner often wonders, “What do I do first?” It’s a question we hear often, and it usually comes from a place of love, worry, and a desire to honor the person who has died.
Start with Safety and Confirmation
If the death occurs at home, your first call depends on the circumstances. If hospice is involved, call the hospice nurse—they will guide you through the pronouncement of death and the next steps. If hospice is not involved, call 911 or the local police. They will come to the home, assess the situation, and coordinate the official pronouncement.
Contact the Funeral Home or Cremation Provider
Once there is a pronouncement, your chosen funeral home or cremation provider is typically the next call. If you have a prepaid plan, they will walk you through what they need and what happens next. There is no need to rush—these professionals handle this every day and will guide you gently. *Note: the funeral home or cremation provider will notify Social Security of the death for you.
Notify Key Professionals and Gather Only What’s Essential in the First Few Days
Notify key professional advisors (financial planners, attorney, etc.) and locate basic documents such as the will or trust, powers of attorney, and any prepaid funeral contracts. You do not need to empty safe‑deposit boxes or withdraw bank accounts immediately. Many long‑held myths about “empty it right away” no longer apply, and most accounts today pass by title or beneficiary designation. Other than cash for immediate expenses, most financial decisions can wait until you are ready to make them later.
Move at a Human Pace
Grief and logistics rarely align. Your job in the early days is simply to take the next right step. Our job is to help you sort through the financial and administrative pieces with clarity and steadiness.
If you or someone you love is navigating a recent loss, please reach out. You don’t have to do this alone. We are always here to help!
Sandra Adams, CFP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® and holds a CeFT™ designation. She specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and serves as a trusted source for national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine, and Journal of Financial Planning.
The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Sandra D. Adams and not necessarily those of Raymond James.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.