Fast practical questions
How long does all of this take?
Short answer
The immediate crisis (first 72 hours) involves body, family, and first calls. The first week involves death certificates, basic notifications, and planning. The first month involves insurance, bank accounts, and benefits. The first year involves taxes, probate, and property. Give yourself a…
What this usually means
The immediate crisis (first 72 hours) involves body, family, and first calls. The first week involves death certificates, basic notifications, and planning. The first month involves insurance, bank accounts, and benefits. The first year involves taxes, probate, and property. Give yourself a full year before expecting it to feel resolved.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.