What to do in the first hours after a death

First, take a moment

If your loved one has died at home, you do not need to rush. Sit with them if you wish. Call one or two people who can be with you. The steps below can be taken one at a time.

If the death was at home

Contact your family doctor or a registered medical practitioner. If the death was expected and from natural causes, the doctor can usually confirm it and provide a medical certificate of the cause of death. Keep this certificate safe — it is needed for the cremation or burial and to register the death.

If the death was sudden, the result of an accident, or the cause is unclear, the police must be informed. A post-mortem examination may be required before any funeral arrangements can be made.

If the death was in hospital

The hospital will complete its own formalities, issue the medical certificate of cause of death, and usually report the death for registration. Ask the hospital staff what papers you will receive and when your loved one can be released.

Documents to keep together

• The medical certificate of cause of death, or hospital discharge and death papers
• Identity proof of the person who has died, such as an Aadhaar card
• Identity proof of the family member making the arrangements
• Any police papers, if the police were involved

Deciding on the funeral

Decide, with your family, whether your tradition is cremation or burial, and when everyone can gather. If relatives must travel, a freezer box at home or a mortuary can give you time.

This is the point at which a funeral coordinator can take over much of the practical work — transport, the cremation or burial ground, a pandit or officiant, and the materials for the rites.

What can wait

Registering the death, informing banks and organisations, and claims can all wait a few days. In India, a death should be reported to the local registrar — usually through the municipal body — within 21 days. The receipt from the cremation or burial ground is often needed for this, so keep it safe.