🕊️ Trusted Contact Guide
When someone you love passes away, it’s hard to know where to start.
This guide is designed to help you take each step calmly — with compassion, clarity, and respect for their wishes.
Whether you’ve received a Trusted Contact Vault Report or you’re preparing your own Say It Last account, use this checklist to move forward one step at a time.
Important: Say It Last shares this information for educational purposes only.
It is not legal, financial, or professional advice.
Always confirm requirements with your executor, funeral director, or attorney.
📋 Trusted Contact Checklist (After-Death Action Plan)
1. Immediate Actions (First 24–48 Hours)
About this section
In the first 48 hours, clarity matters most. This list helps you act calmly — one decision at a time. You don’t have to do everything right away. Just start here.
Confirm legal pronouncement of death (hospital, hospice, or local authorities).
Contact immediate family and the executor before public announcements.
Secure the home, vehicle, and any firearms or valuables.
If firearms are present, ensure they are safely stored, unloaded, and handed to a licensed holder or local law enforcement for temporary safekeeping until the estate settles.
Arrange for the body’s transport to the chosen funeral home or mortuary.
Most funeral homes coordinate the transport once called, but next of kin or the executor must give permission.Locate important documents — will, estate plan, insurance policies, and the Say It Last Vault.
Identify the funeral home and main contact; provide parents’ names and place of birth for the death certificate.
Track who receives each certified copy of the death certificate.
Reminder: Say It Last provides this section for general information only and does not act as a funeral or legal authority. Always follow official procedures and local regulations.
2. Funeral & Memorial Arrangements
About this section
Service planning can feel overwhelming. This overview keeps the focus on clear, respectful next steps. Requirements and prices vary by state, religion, and provider, so use this list only as a general reference.
Meet with the funeral director to review service options. Ask for a written estimate and itemized price list before approving anything.
Request 10–12 certified death certificates from the funeral home or county vital-records office.
Write and submit an obituary if desired — through the funeral home or directly to a publication.
Confirm any pre-paid burial or cremation plans and verify account or policy numbers.
Keep all receipts and invoices for services, flowers, travel, and meals; some may be reimbursable later.
Reminder: Say It Last shares this information for educational use only. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Confirm details with your executor or licensed funeral director.
3. Financial & Legal Priorities
About this section
These steps help protect assets and prevent unnecessary fees while decisions are made. Confirm all actions with the executor, attorney, or financial institutions involved.
Notify the deceased’s primary bank, credit-card companies, and insurance providers.
Review recent statements for automatic payments and cancel or pause them.
Contact the Social Security Administration to report the death and discuss survivor benefits.
Notify employers or pension administrators about final pay, life insurance, or retirement accounts.
Collect keys, checkbooks, and cards; keep them secure until the executor confirms use.
Work with the executor to determine whether probate is required.
Consider placing a credit freeze or death-notification flag with major credit bureaus.
Reminder: Say It Last does not provide legal or financial advice. Verify all steps with qualified professionals before acting.
4. Estate & Executor Tasks
About this section
The executor’s duty is to safeguard assets, follow the will, and ensure debts and expenses are handled properly. These are general guidelines only.
Determine whether probate is required; some small or joint estates qualify for simplified procedures.
Locate and secure the most recent will or trust; keep the original intact.
Create an inventory of property, vehicles, accounts, and debts.
Keep beneficiaries informed about progress and major decisions.
Record every estate-related expense and retain receipts.
Seek legal or accounting help for taxes, joint property, or business interests.
Reminder: Say It Last is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. Always confirm probate procedures with a licensed attorney or your local court.
5. Digital & Personal Affairs
About this section
Modern life leaves a digital footprint. These steps help preserve memories and secure data. Access only what you’re authorized to, and confirm actions with the executor.
Access digital accounts through Say It Last (if applicable) using the secure vault instructions.
Save important photos, videos, and personal files before accounts close.
Review authorized email accounts for bills or notices; don’t send messages as the deceased.
Close or memorialize social-media accounts through official channels.
Keep devices secure until the executor approves data transfer or deletion.
Wait to post public updates until close family has been informed.
Reminder: Digital-access laws vary by state. Say It Last provides this content for awareness only and does not manage account access or passwords.
6. Home, Vehicles, and Pets
About this section
These steps protect property and animals while the estate is settled. Confirm ownership and authority with the executor before making changes.
Lock doors and windows; change exterior locks if needed.
Collect mail and deliveries regularly.
Keep key utilities active temporarily.
Gather valuables and important papers in a safe location.
Locate vehicle titles, registration, and insurance; maintain coverage until transfer.
Arrange immediate and long-term pet care.
Obtain veterinary records and update microchip information when ownership changes.
Reminder: Say It Last offers these points as general education only. Permanent transfers or sales require executor or legal authorization.
7. Emotional & Community Support
About this section
Grief affects everyone differently. This section encourages rest and connection while you handle practical tasks.
Take breaks when needed; paperwork can wait.
Accept help from friends or neighbors.
Seek support groups, clergy, or counseling if emotions become overwhelming.
Delay major financial or housing decisions until you feel ready.
Remember: every small step — even reading this guide — is progress.
Reminder: Say It Last is not a counseling service. These suggestions are for emotional support only; contact a licensed professional for mental-health care if needed.
8. Helpful Documents & Downloads
About this section
Click the below links for helpful templates to guide you through this journey.
9. Footer Note
🌐 If you’ve received a Trusted Contact Vault Report, much of this information may already be filled in for you.
Say It Last ensures every detail is private, secure, and shared only when it’s needed.
Handled. Decided. Safe.