Special circumstances
What if they died and had a restraining order or active domestic violence case?
Short answer
Notify law enforcement immediately. A domestic violence death may be investigated as a homicide. Victim services organizations can help surviving family members. Do not assume the investigation is complete — you have the right to ask questions.
What this usually means
Notify law enforcement immediately. A domestic violence death may be investigated as a homicide. Victim services organizations can help surviving family members. Do not assume the investigation is complete — you have the right to ask questions.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.