Right after it happens
Do I have to decide about burial or cremation right now?
Short answer
No. The body can be refrigerated while you take time to decide. Ask the funeral home about refrigeration-only options. Do not let anyone pressure you into signing immediately.
What this usually means
No. The body can be refrigerated while you take time to decide. Ask the funeral home about refrigeration-only options. Do not let anyone pressure you into signing immediately.
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.