A practical guide for families
What to do when someone dies
When someone dies, many decisions arrive at once. This calm checklist guides you through the first hours, funeral arrangements, administration and preserving memories.
Last reviewed on 1 September 2026
Step by step
The first hours
Contact a doctor
A doctor must officially confirm the death and, in the case of a natural death, prepare the declaration required for registration.
Inform the people you need now
Call close family or a trusted person first and agree who will contact other relatives and friends.
Find wishes and insurance documents
Look for funeral wishes, a will, donor information, address lists and funeral insurance.
Step by step
Before the funeral
Register the death
A funeral director usually handles registration, but relatives may also do this at the municipality where the person died.
Choose the place, form and date
Discuss burial or cremation, guests, music, flowers, speakers and rituals. Dutch time limits may apply.
Make costs visible in advance
Ask for an itemised estimate and verify what any insurance policy actually covers.
Step by step
After the funeral
Map the administration
Consider banks, employers, pensions, insurance, housing, utilities, memberships and subscriptions.
Do not rush the inheritance
An estate can include debts. Check for a will and seek notarial advice before accepting or dividing assets.
Protect digital memories
Make a safe copy of important photographs and files before closing email, social media or cloud accounts.
What need not be lost
Preserve memories
Practical matters have deadlines; memories do not. Yet photographs, recordings and small stories are easily scattered across phones, boxes and relatives.
Begin with a name, a few dates and one memory. A memorial page can remain completely private while the family adds to it.
Official information
Check what applies to your situation.
This page is a general guide, not legal or financial advice. Requirements differ by situation and municipality.