What to Do When Someone Dies in North Carolina – Checklist

A complete step-by-step checklist for families in Haywood, Jackson, Swain, Macon Counties and all of Western NC. Print this page, check items off, and call us when you’re ready for probate help.

Immediate Actions (First 24–48 Hours)

• ✓ Get a legal pronouncement of death – If at home and unexpected, call 911. Hospice nurse can declare if under care.
• ✓ Secure certified death certificates – Order 10–15 copies from the funeral home or county Register of Deeds (Haywood: 828-452-6650).
• ✓ Notify close family, friends & employer – Use group texts, email, or CaringBridge.
• ✓ Arrange funeral/memorial service – Contact your local funeral home and check for pre-paid plans.
• ✓ Locate the original Last Will & Testament – Safe, safe-deposit box, or attorney’s office (original is best).

Within a Few Days to 1 Week

• ✓ Finalize funeral, burial, or cremation arrangements (VA benefits for veterans).
• ✓ Secure the home, vehicles, valuables; change locks if needed.
• ✓ Care for pets – temporary or permanent placement.
• ✓ Forward mail via USPS to catch bills and accounts.
• ✓ Notify Social Security (800-772-1213) – stops benefits & checks survivor eligibility.
• ✓ Freeze or monitor bank accounts with death certificate.

Within 2 Weeks to 30 Days

• ✓ File life insurance, retirement, and annuity claims.
• ✓ Notify credit bureaus (Equifax/Experian/TransUnion) to prevent identity theft.
• ✓ Cancel driver’s license (NC DMV) and passport.
• ✓ Terminate unnecessary insurance policies & request refunds.
• ✓ Determine if probate is required – consult an experienced attorney.
• ✓ Meet with estate attorney & CPA; begin asset inventory.
• ✓ Call Griffin & Schaefer, P.A. for your a probate consultation.

Ongoing (1–18 Months: Estate Settlement)

• ✓ Locate all assets and debts (tax returns are goldmines).
• ✓ Cancel cellphone, streaming, email, and social media accounts.
• ✓ Transfer or redeem frequent-buyer points; remove from voter rolls.