Guided FAQ doorway
Start here: first calls and first decisions
A calm doorway to first-call and first-step questions after someone dies in California, using existing PathAfter FAQ answers.
First calls
Who picks up the body after someone dies?A funeral home or cremation provider you choose. The coroner or medical examiner only takes the body if the death requires investigation. Once they rele… Right After It HappensDo I call 911 when someone dies at home?If the death was sudden, unexpected, or unattended — yes. If they were under hospice care and expected to die — call the hospice number first, not 911.… Right After It HappensDo I need to be there when the body is picked up?No. Someone should be accessible by phone, but you do not have to be present. Make sure the funeral home has access to the location and that you have co… Right After It HappensHow long can a body stay at home after death?Not long without refrigeration. In California, the body should be transferred within 24 hours in most situations. A funeral home can handle refrigeratio… Right After It HappensCan the body be cremated right away?Not immediately. California requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation. The cremation permit and death certificate must be filed fir… Right After It HappensWhat happens to the body if I can't afford a funeral?You can ask about direct cremation — the lowest-cost option, usually $700–$2,000 in California. If you truly cannot afford anything, ask the county publ… Right After It HappensWhat if I'm far away and can't get there immediately?Call the hospital, coroner, or funeral home by phone. They can hold the body with refrigeration while you travel. You do not need to be physically prese… Practical and ImmediateWhat if a funeral home demands payment in full before releasing the body?Funeral homes can require payment before services, but they cannot hold a body indefinitely as leverage. In California, if a funeral home is acting impr… Funeral Home and Cremation Fraud
Before paperwork
What documents should I look for right away?Will, trust, insurance policies, pre-need funeral contract, military discharge papers (DD-214), Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, marri… Paperwork and processWhat if the death certificate has an error?Contact the county vital records office where the certificate was filed. An amendment can be filed, but it takes time and paperwork. Do not let institut… Death CertificatesWhere might they have kept important documents?Home safe, file cabinet, bank safe deposit box, email (search for "policy," "insurance," "trust," "will"), their attorney's office, or their accountant'… Paperwork and processCan I get a death certificate before the funeral?The certificate must be filed before disposition (burial or cremation). You can order certified copies as soon as it is registered with the county — you… Death CertificatesCan I order death certificates online?Yes. VitalChek is the state-approved vendor for California. Your county recorder's office may also accept online orders. The funeral home may order them… Death CertificatesDo I need a death certificate to claim life insurance?Yes. The insurance company will ask for a certified copy. Some also want the policy number and a completed claim form. Call the insurer first to ask exa… Death Certificates
When you need words
How do I cancel their subscriptions?Check bank and credit card statements for recurring charges. Call or email to cancel. Many subscriptions require a death certificate — have scans ready.… Practical and ImmediateHow do I notify Social Security of a death?The funeral home typically notifies SSA. You can also call 1-800-772-1213. SSA does not accept death notifications online. Do not wait — payments must s… Social Security and BenefitsHow do I notify their employer of the death?Call HR directly — not a coworker or manager first, though those relationships matter too. Tell them the date of death, ask what you need to submit, and… Employer Benefits and WorkplaceWhat happens to Patreon, Substack, or other creator subscription accounts?These accounts generate recurring revenue and have subscriber relationships. Notify subscribers promptly — they will appreciate honesty over unexplained… Financial and Business Digital AccountsWho do I notify first when someone dies?The smallest circle first: the person who was closest, one person who can help make calls, and whoever was responsible for their care. You do not have t… Right After It HappensAm I automatically entitled to their assets as a surviving spouse in California?Generally yes for community property — assets acquired during the marriage belong 50% to each spouse, and your spouse's 50% typically passes to you. But… First Week as a Surviving Spouse