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What to Do After Someone Dies in California

If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.If you or someone you know is in crisis right now, call or text 988.

Answer three quick questions. PathAfter will show your next 3 steps, local contacts, call scripts, document guidance, and a tool to compare written funeral quotes — based on where you are in California and what happened.

Your county guide can also help you compare written funeral quotes, plan death-certificate copies, find assistance, and organize paperwork.

Start with only what needs attention first. You can come back when your head is clearer.

You can also open printable call logs and document checklists after you start.

Next 3 stepsA short checklist instead of a giant wall of tasks.
Local starting pointsCounty pages, source notes, and places to verify details.
Words for hard callsSimple scripts for funeral homes, offices, and family updates.

Choose the California county where the death happened or where you need local offices.

Choosing the closest option helps us show better first steps. If you are not sure, leave it as “I’m not sure yet.”

If the checklist does not open, you still have options.
Local contacts and county guidance Printable call log

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