What to Do When Someone Dies in Georgia: Step-by-Step Checklist

The loss of a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences, and facing the immediate responsibilities that come with death can feel overwhelming. But you're not alone, and there's a clear path forward. Georgia has specific procedures and legal requirements that guide the process, and knowing what steps to take—and in what order—can help you navigate this challenging time with more confidence.

This step-by-step checklist will walk you through exactly what to do when someone dies in Georgia, from the very first moments through the days ahead.

Immediately After Death (First 24 Hours)

Step 1: Call for Medical Help (if the death is unexpected)

If your loved one passes away unexpectedly or outside of a hospital or care facility, your first call should be to emergency services (911). If they're in a hospital, hospice, or nursing home, the medical staff will handle the initial notification and documentation.

Step 2: Contact a Funeral Home Right Away

This is one of the most important calls you'll make. Contact In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers or another funeral home of your choosing as soon as possible. We're available to help guide you through every step and can coordinate with other professionals on your behalf.

In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers Available to serve families in their time of need with compassionate, immediate support.

The funeral home will:

• Help arrange the transportation of your loved one
• Begin the documentation process
• Answer your initial questions
• Help you understand your options

Step 3: Gather Important Documents

Start collecting documents you'll need. Look for:

• Social Security card or number
• Birth certificate
• Marriage license (if applicable)
• Military discharge papers (if applicable)
• Insurance policies (life, health, homeowner's)
• Will or trust documents

You won't need everything immediately, but having these accessible will help tremendously in the coming days.

First Few Days: The Paperwork Begins

Step 4: Understand Georgia's Death Certificate Requirements

This is where Georgia has specific legal requirements you need to know about. A death certificate is an official document that will be needed for virtually every legal and financial matter going forward.

In Georgia, here's what you need to know:

• The attending physician or medical examiner completes the cause of death
• The funeral home works with vital records to file the death certificate
• You'll typically receive certified copies within a few days to a few weeks
• Order multiple certified copies (we recommend at least 10-15) because you'll need them for bank accounts, insurance claims, Social Security, property transfers, and more
• Each certified copy costs a small fee, but getting extras upfront saves time and frustration later

Your funeral home can help coordinate this process and explain exactly how many copies you'll likely need.

Step 5: Know Georgia's 24-Hour Waiting Period for Cremation

If you've chosen cremation, Georgia law requires a 24-hour waiting period before cremation can take place. This waiting period begins from the time of death and is a legal protection that applies to all cremations in the state.

This means:

• Even if you arrange cremation immediately, it won't take place for at least 24 hours
• The funeral home will handle all the legal paperwork and permits required
• Once the 24-hour period has passed, cremation can proceed
• Your loved one's remains will be returned to you in an urn of your choice, or you can make other arrangements

This waiting period doesn't delay your ability to hold a memorial service—many families choose to hold a celebration of life after cremation takes place.

Step 6: Notify Family, Friends, and Employer

Start making phone calls to notify people who need to know:

• Close family members
• Close friends
• Your loved one's employer
• Religious or community organizations

You don't have to do this alone—it's perfectly acceptable to ask a trusted family member or friend to help with notifications.

The Next Week: Essential Legal and Financial Steps

Step 7: Contact Social Security

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report the death. This prevents fraud and ensures benefits are stopped.

Step 8: Notify Banks and Financial Institutions

Contact all banks, credit card companies, and investment firms where your loved one had accounts. You'll need:

• Certified copies of the death certificate
• Account information
• Your relationship to the deceased

Step 9: File Life Insurance Claims

If your loved one had life insurance, contact the insurance company immediately with:

• Policy number
• Certified copy of death certificate
• Claim forms (the insurer will provide these)

Step 10: Notify the Employer (if not already done)

Contact HR to discuss final paychecks, benefits continuation (like COBRA), and any company life insurance or death benefits.

Step 11: Handle Utilities and Subscriptions

Notify utility companies, insurance companies, subscription services, and any other recurring payments. This prevents unnecessary charges to the estate.

Planning the Service

Step 12: Decide on the Type of Service

Georgia offers flexibility in how you honor your loved one:

• Traditional funeral with viewing and service
• Memorial service held after cremation
• Celebration of life gathering
• Direct cremation with private family time
• Graveside service only

In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers can help you explore all options and find what feels right for your family and budget.

Step 13: Choose Your Service Details

Work with the funeral home to decide on:

• Date and time of service
• Location (funeral home, church, cemetery, community center, or other venue)
• Who will conduct the service (clergy, family member, celebrant)
• Music, readings, or special tributes
• Reception plans

Step 14: Plan the Obituary (if desired)

Many families choose to write an obituary to announce the death to the community. Your funeral home can help guide this process and submit it to local newspapers if you wish.

In the Weeks Ahead

Step 15: Meet with an Estate Attorney (if applicable)

If your loved one left a will or substantial assets, consider consulting with an estate attorney to understand probate and inheritance procedures in Georgia.

Step 16: Update Your Own Plans

Take this time to think about your own end-of-life wishes. Consider pre-planning with In Their Honor to ease the burden on your family later.

When You Need Help, We're Here

Making all these decisions and handling all these tasks while grieving is genuinely difficult. That's exactly why funeral homes exist—to shoulder this burden with you.

In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers is here to guide you through every step. Our caring staff understands Georgia's specific legal requirements, and we're committed to walking with you through:

• All immediate arrangements
• Coordination with vital records and other agencies
• Explanation of Georgia's cremation waiting period
• Selection of service options that fit your family's needs and budget
• Connection with other professionals you may need

Emergency Contact Information

In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers

Available to serve families in Georgia with compassionate, professional guidance during their most difficult moments. Whether you need immediate assistance or want to discuss pre-planning options, we're here for you.