Checklist: When a Loved One Dies

An interactive checklist of everything you need to handle after a loved one's death. Your progress is saved automatically.

0–24 hoursFirst hours

Call the emergency number 112 or a doctorIf the death occurs at home, call the emergency number. A doctor will confirm the death and issue a death certificate.Notify close relativesInform family members and closest friends in person or by phone.Contact a funeral homeThe funeral home will help with transportation of the deceased and practical arrangements. You can compare prices.Contact the parish or religious communityArrange the time and place for the funeral with the minister or officiant.Find out the deceased's wishesCheck whether the deceased had a will, burial wishes or a living will.

1–7 daysFirst week

Arrange the funeralDecide the burial type (coffin or cremation), choose a coffin/urn, plan the ceremony programme.Write a death noticePublish a death notice in a newspaper and/or online. The funeral home can help with the notice.Notify employersNotify both the deceased's and your own employer. Find out your right to paid leave.Notify Kela and insurance companiesReport the death to Kela to end benefits. Check for any life insurance policies.Plan the memorial serviceBook a venue, plan catering and programme. The memorial is usually held after the funeral.Cancel the deceased's appointmentsCancel medical, dental and other appointments.

1–4 weeksFirst month

Cancel or transfer subscriptions and contractsMagazines, phone plan, electricity contract, insurance, memberships and other recurring payments.Notify the bankBank accounts are frozen and transferred to estate management. You will need the death certificate.Begin preparing the estate inventoryThe estate inventory must be held within 3 months of death. Gather the deceased's asset and debt information.Apply for possible funeral assistanceYou may apply for funeral assistance from Kela if the deceased belonged to certain groups. Check your eligibility.Handle the digital estateClose or memorialise social media accounts, cancel digital subscriptions, save important files.

Longer term1–3 months

Hold the estate inventoryThe estate inventory meeting maps the deceased's assets and debts. The deed is submitted to the Tax Administration.Submit the estate inventory deed to the Tax AdministrationThe deed must be submitted to the Tax Administration within one month of the inventory.Handle the distribution of inheritanceIf there is a will, the estate is divided accordingly. Otherwise the Inheritance Code applies.Seek grief support if neededGrief takes time. Professional support or a peer group can help you cope.Arrange the grave memorialOrder a headstone or memorial. Delivery can take several months.