Nobody knows this until they need it. Here is the order things actually happen in, plainly stated.
1. Call us. There is no hurry. If a death happens at 3am, you do not need to call anyone before us. We are reachable any hour, and your family member can stay where they are until you are ready.
2. What happens when you arrive A director meets you, in plain clothes, in a quiet room. We will ask a few questions about your family member and explain each choice as it comes up. Nothing is decided in that first meeting that cannot be changed later.
3. Documents you will need A photo ID for the person making arrangements, and basic biographical information: full name, birth date, social security number, and next of kin. We help gather the rest.
4. Certified copies of the death certificate Most families need between eight and twelve: for banks, life insurance, the DMV, and Social Security. We order these as part of arrangements, so you are not tracking down the county office yourself.
5. Obituary and telling people We can help you write and place an obituary, and reach family members who may not yet know. This can wait a day if you need it to.