What to Do After a Death

1. If the death has just occurred:

If the person was under hospice care
Contact the hospice provider first. Hospice staff will help guide you through the next steps and determine whether other notifications are needed.

If the person was under a physician’s care but not on hospice
Contact the person’s doctor or the medical facility involved, if appropriate. In some cases, the doctor may be able to assist with the next steps.

If the death was unexpected, unattended, or involved injury
Call 911. Law enforcement or emergency responders may need to respond, and the death may need to be reported to the Coroner’s Office.

Do not move the body or disturb the area unless emergency responders instruct you to do so.

2. Understand whether the Coroner’s Office may be involved

In Washington, certain deaths must be reported to the coroner. This can include deaths that are:

• sudden or unexpected
• unattended
• related to injury or violence
• suspicious or unexplained
• occurring under circumstances that require further review by law

If the Coroner’s Office takes jurisdiction, the office may:

• review the circumstances of death
• work with law enforcement, medical providers, or care staff
• arrange transport when appropriate
• determine whether further examination, autopsy, or toxicology testing is needed
• authorize release of remains when the case allows

If the Coroner’s Office is involved, families may experience some delay before release of remains. The length of time depends on the circumstances of the case.

3. Identify the next of kin or family point of contact

It is helpful for the family to identify one main point of contact for communication. This can help avoid confusion and ensure information is shared consistently.

The Coroner’s Office or funeral home may need:

• the name and contact information for next of kin
• basic identification information about the deceased
• family contact details for follow-up questions

4. Choose a funeral home

In most cases, the family should select a funeral home as soon as possible. The funeral home can help with:

• transportation coordination after release
• burial or cremation arrangements
• obtaining certified death certificate copies
• obituary and service planning
• other arrangements and required paperwork

If the Coroner’s Office is involved, remains are generally released to the funeral home once the office authorizes release.

If you do not know which funeral home to choose, you may wish to speak with family members, faith leaders, or trusted advisors before making a decision.

5. Ask about release of remains

If the Coroner’s Office is involved, release may depend on:

• confirmation of identity
• completion of required investigation steps
• examination or autopsy needs
• notification of legal next of kin
• other case-specific circumstances

Families should understand that timelines vary. In some cases, release may happen quickly. In other cases, additional review is required.

If you have questions about release, contact the Coroner’s Office directly.

6. Understand the death certificate process

In Washington State, certified death certificates are generally obtained through the funeral home or the local health department or vital records process, depending on the situation.

The Coroner’s Office may be responsible for certifying cause and manner of death in certain cases, but the office typically does not issue certified copies directly to families.

You may need certified death certificates for:
• banks and financial accounts
• insurance claims
• Social Security matters
• pension or retirement benefits
• property and estate administration

Many families order multiple certified copies because several institutions require original certified documents.

7. Ask about personal property

If the deceased had personal belongings with them, those items may be handled by:

• the Coroner’s Office
• law enforcement
• a hospital or care facility
• the funeral home

Ask which agency or organization has custody of personal property and what process must be followed for release.

8. Be prepared for possible delays in final answers

Some questions may not be answered immediately. Depending on the case, final determinations may take time, especially if:

• autopsy is performed
• toxicology testing is needed
• additional investigation is required
• records are still being gathered

Families are encouraged to ask what information is available now, what may come later, and who to contact for updates.

9. Consider support resources

The days after a death can be emotionally and practically difficult. Families may wish to seek support from:

• the coroner’s office
• relatives and close friends
• clergy or faith leaders
• grief counselors
• victim assistance services, when applicable
• local community support organizations

If children are affected by the loss, age-appropriate grief support may also be helpful.

10. Keep a simple checklist

Helpful early steps may include:

• notify hospice, physician, or 911 as appropriate
• identify a family point of contact, the person who will work with the coroner, law enforcement and the funeral home
• choose a funeral home
• ask whether the Coroner’s Office is involved
• ask when release of remains may occur
• request information about personal property
• plan for certified death certificate copies
• gather important documents for estate and benefit matters