Step 1: Get a Legal Pronouncement of Death
If your loved one passed away at a hospital or while under hospice care, the medical team will typically handle the official pronouncement of death.
However, if the death occurred at home and was unattended, you must call 911. Paramedics will arrive and arrange for a licensed physician or the county coroner to confirm the death.
This legal pronouncement is required before a death certificate can be issued — and that certificate is necessary for funeral arrangements, closing financial accounts, accessing life insurance, and beginning the probate or trust administration process.
Step 2: Obtain Certified Death Certificates
Death certificates are required for many legal and financial tasks, including:
In California, the funeral director or person handling the arrangements typically files the death certificate with the local registrar within 8 calendar days of death and before the final disposition of the body.
The death certificate contains both personal and medical information, including:
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Full name, date/place of birth, and Social Security number
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Parent and next-of-kin details
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Cause of death (provided by the medical professional)
You can order certified copies through the funeral home, or directly from the county clerk’s office. We recommend obtaining at least 10 copies to cover various agencies and institutions.
Step 3: Notify Government Agencies and Financial Institutions
Once family and funeral arrangements are underway, begin notifying key agencies and institutions:
Notify:
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Social Security Administration (to report the death and inquire about survivor benefits)
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Employer (to request final paychecks, benefits, or pensions)
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Life Insurance Providers (once you’ve located all policy documents)
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Banks & Credit Unions (to freeze or close accounts)
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Credit Card Companies
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Government Agencies, including:
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Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
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California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
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County Assessor (for property tax reassessment)
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California DMV (to transfer vehicle title, cancel license)
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Department of Health Care Services (for Medi-Cal recovery, if applicable)
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U.S. Postal Service (to forward mail)
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Veterans Affairs (for benefits, if applicable)
Step 4: Cancel Utilities and Subscriptions
Take time to cancel or transfer all ongoing services:
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Utilities (gas, electric, water)
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Internet and phone services
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Streaming platforms and online subscriptions
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Magazine or mail services
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Any automatic deliveries or recurring payments
This step helps prevent unnecessary charges and protects against fraud.
Step 5: Locate the Will or Trust and Contact a Probate Attorney
Find any estate planning documents, such as a Last Will and Testament or Living Trust. These documents will name the executor (for a will) or successor trustee (for a trust), who is legally responsible for managing the deceased’s estate.
If there is a will:
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The will must be lodged with the probate court.
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If the estate includes assets exceeding $208,500, probate is typically required.
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A probate attorney is usually retained by a family member or heir to handle all court filings, notices, and hearings.
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Probate in California can take 9–18 months to complete.
If there is a trust:
Whether through probate or trust administration, the personal representative is also responsible for filing final tax returns with the IRS and FTB, and ensuring all assets are distributed to the proper heirs.
Need Help? We’re Here to Guide You
If you’re unsure whether probate is necessary — or simply need help understanding your next step — we’re here to support you.
Call or text us at (626) 872-3394 for a free consultation.
We’ll help you navigate this process with clarity and care.