Steps after a death: where to begin

Losing a loved one comes with a series of administrative steps, often at a time when one has little energy for them. The aim of this guide is not to be exhaustive, but to set priorities so you can move forward without feeling overwhelmed.

Every situation is different. This text is general information: it does not replace a notary or the organisations concerned, who remain your points of contact for legal and financial matters.

Within 24 to 48 hours

A doctor issues the medical certificate of death. The death is then registered at the town hall of the place of death, which issues the death certificate. This certificate is the reference document for almost every step that follows: ask for several full copies.

• Register the death at the town hall and collect several copies of the certificate.
• Contact a funeral company to arrange the funeral.
• Check for any written wishes (funeral, organ donation) left by the deceased.

During the first week

This means notifying the organisations for which a deadline applies. Most require a copy of the death certificate. A file gathering the deceased's contracts in advance saves considerable time at this stage.

• The employer or the employment office, where relevant.
• The banks, to report the death and review the accounts.
• Complementary health and provident insurance organisations.
• The landlord or building manager if the deceased was a tenant or co-owner.

Within the month

Next comes updating the situation with social bodies and cancelling or transferring ongoing contracts. Contacting a notary is often useful to organise the estate, particularly where there is property.

• Pension funds and social bodies (health insurance, benefits).
• Energy, water, phone and internet contracts.
• Recurring subscriptions (press, platforms, various services).
• Insurance policies (home, car) to cancel or transfer.

Searching for any life insurance policies

A deceased person may have taken out a life insurance policy without their relatives knowing. If you believe you are the beneficiary of a policy but cannot find any trace of it, the search is free through AGIRA: you submit a request, and insurers check whether the deceased held a policy naming you.

For older sums that may have been transferred to the Caisse des Dépôts, the search is free on Ciclade. No paid service is needed for these steps: be wary of sites offering to do them for you for a fee.

Keep a record and move at your own pace

Noting each organisation contacted, the date and the status of the step helps avoid omissions and duplicates. This is exactly what Vitalegis prepares in advance: during their lifetime, a person gathers the list of their contracts and designates those who will receive it, so their loved ones do not have to play detective.