PathAfter FAQ
Death Abroad, Missing Persons, and Disaster
Focused answers for people handling the first days, paperwork, and follow-up steps after a death in California.
Start checklistWeek 2–4 administration and California-specific questions
What do I do when a U.S. citizen dies abroad?Call the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. They will issue a Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad — the official U.S. document used in place of a death certificate for domestic purposes. They can also advise on local…How do I bring a body home from another country?Contact a funeral home that specializes in international repatriation — not all funeral homes handle this. Costs range from $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on location. Travel insurance or life insurance may cover repatriation. The U.S. Embassy can provide a list of local…What is a Consular Report of Death and how do I use it?It is the official U.S. government document certifying the death of a U.S. citizen abroad. Request multiple certified copies from the State Department. U.S. institutions — banks, insurers, SSA — will typically accept it in place of a domestic death certificate. Apply…What if a family member is missing and presumed dead?You cannot get a death certificate until death is legally established. In California, you can petition the Superior Court for a Presumption of Death — typically requires 5 years of absence with no contact. A judge must declare the person legally dead…Can I declare someone legally dead before 5 years in California?California Probate Code 12401 allows a court to issue a death presumption in fewer than 5 years if the circumstances suggest the person died — for example, they were on a plane that crashed. The petitioner must show clear and convincing evidence…What do I do if a family member is missing after a natural disaster?Contact local emergency management and the disaster's family assistance center. In California, Cal OES coordinates mass casualty response. Provide identifying information to the coroner's office — they will be processing unidentified remains. NamUs (1-833-526-2887) can help match missing persons with unidentified remains.What if the death occurred in another country with a complicated legal system?The U.S. Embassy is your first call. They can advise on local law, find local attorneys who speak English and know U.S. family needs, and help navigate local death registration. Do not sign local documents you do not understand — ask for…What about the deceased person's foreign assets?Foreign assets — property, bank accounts — are governed by the laws of the country where they are located. California's small estate affidavit and probate process do not apply abroad. You will need local legal help in each country. The U.S. Embassy…What if the body cannot be recovered?A death certificate can still be issued in California if death can be legally established through a court proceeding. The presumption of death process allows the estate to be probated and insurance to be claimed even without a body. Consult a probate…What if the death involved a foreign government or occurred in a conflict zone?Contact the U.S. State Department's Office of American Citizens Services immediately — 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S., or +1-202-501-4444 from abroad. They coordinate with foreign governments in sensitive cases. If the death involved hostile action or a foreign government, a congressional representative's office…