Understanding what steps to take after a death occurs can help bring clarity during a difficult time and ensure that everything is handled properly and respectfully.
If you are in Michigan and have recently experienced the passing of a family member or close friend, the following guide outlines what to do—from the first call to final arrangements—so you can move forward with confidence and support.
Step 1: Determine Where the Death Occurred
The first steps depend largely on where the passing took place.
If the death occurs at a hospital or nursing facility, staff will handle initial procedures and guide you through the next steps. A medical professional will officially pronounce the death and help coordinate the transfer of your loved one.
If the death occurs at home and was expected, contact the hospice provider or the attending physician. If the passing was unexpected, you will need to call 911 so emergency responders can assist and ensure the proper legal process is followed.
Once death has been pronounced, arrangements can be made for your loved one to be transferred into professional care.
Step 2: Contact a Trusted Funeral Home
After a death has been confirmed, one of the most important steps is contacting a funeral home to assist with care, documentation, and planning. A local provider can guide you through Michigan-specific requirements while offering compassionate support during this time.
Ray Funeral Services has long served families in Three Rivers and the surrounding communities, helping loved ones navigate the early steps after a loss with clarity, dignity, and care.
Funeral professionals can help coordinate transportation, explain options, and answer immediate questions so families are not left to navigate everything alone.
Step 3: Secure Personal Information and Important Documents
As you begin the process, gather essential information that will be needed for legal and administrative purposes, including:
- Full legal name of the deceased
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Military service records, if applicable
- Insurance policies or pre-arrangement details
These details are necessary for filing the death certificate, notifying agencies, and planning services. A funeral director will help ensure all required documentation is completed accurately and on time.
Step 4: Understand Michigan Death Certificate Requirements
In Michigan, a death certificate must be filed with the local registrar within 72 hours of the death. Funeral homes typically handle this process on behalf of the family, coordinating with medical professionals and local authorities.
Certified copies of the death certificate are often needed for:
- Life insurance claims
- Estate settlement
- Social Security notifications
- Financial and legal matters
Your funeral director can advise how many copies you may need based on your circumstances.
Step 5: Notify Close Family Members and Friends
Sharing the news of a loss can be emotionally taxing. Many families choose to delegate this task to a trusted relative or friend. Take your time and approach these conversations with care—there is no “right” way to do this.
As plans develop, details about services can be shared gradually, allowing loved ones to support you when you need it most.
Step 6: Consider Burial or Cremation Options
Michigan families have the option to choose
burial,
cremation, or a combination of services based on personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and family wishes.
Some decisions can be made immediately, while others—such as memorial services—may be scheduled later. A funeral director will walk you through each option, explaining timelines, legal considerations, and what to expect.
If your loved one left instructions or
pre-planned arrangements, those wishes should guide all decisions whenever possible.
Step 7: Plan a Meaningful Service or Memorial
Funeral and memorial services serve as an important time for reflection, remembrance, and connection. Whether you choose a traditional funeral, a graveside service, or a private gathering, personalization can help honor the life and legacy of your loved one.
Families may include music, readings, photos, or shared memories that reflect who the person was and what they meant to others. There is no requirement that services follow a single format—what matters most is that they feel meaningful to those left behind.
Step 8: Take Care of Yourself and Your Family
Grief does not follow a schedule, and everyone experiences it differently. In the days and weeks following a loss, it is important to allow yourself space to rest, reflect, and accept support.
Lean on friends, faith leaders, or grief support resources when needed. Many families find comfort in routine, remembrance, and open conversations about their loved one’s life and impact.
Support for Michigan Families When It Matters Most
Navigating the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when important decisions must be made quickly. Working with a compassionate, experienced funeral home can ease that burden and provide reassurance during uncertain moments.
Families in Three Rivers and throughout St. Joseph County have trusted Ray Funeral Services to provide steady guidance, thoughtful planning, and respectful care during life’s most difficult transitions. If you need support or have questions about next steps,
reach out to our caring team for help when you need it most.
