The first steps often include notifying close family, contacting the funeral home, getting a legal death certificate, and securing the home or pets. From there, you’ll begin handling their affairs - bank accounts, bills, insurance, and estate documents.

Grief isn’t a straight line, and there’s no “normal” timeline. Some days are heavy, others are lighter. It’s okay to feel fine one moment and undone the next. Most people feel waves of grief for months or even years, especially around anniversaries or big life events.

Anticipatory grief happens before someone passes, especially if you’ve been a caregiver or knew their time was limited. It’s the emotional weight of what’s coming and can be just as real and valid as grief after death.

Keep it simple, honest, and age-appropriate. Let them ask questions—even the hard ones. Avoid confusing phrases like “went to sleep.” We offer downloadable guides and book recommendations for talking with kids at different ages.

That ache is real, and common. You can still honor the relationship through letters, rituals, or shared memories.

If you’re the executor or next of kin, you’ll be responsible for closing or transferring accounts. You’ll likely need a death certificate and legal authority (like a will or court appointment).

Start by checking their files, safe deposit boxes, or with their attorney. You can also contact the probate court in their county.

Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after they die. If there’s no trust or named beneficiaries, you’ll likely go through probate. It can take months and varies by state.

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the platform and whether you’ve been named as a digital legacy contact. You may need legal documents to gain access.

Short answer, yes. Especially after long caregiving journeys or when someone has suffered. Relief doesn’t mean you loved them less, it means you’re human. Grief is layered.

Show up. Listen more than you talk. Offer specific help—like groceries, childcare, or just sitting together.

We’re curating a list of trusted therapists, grief counselors, and local/national groups, plus digital options for those who prefer to process privately or at their own pace - see our partners page for more information. In the meantime, we recommend checking with local churches, nonprofits, and hospice organizations.

A Power of Attorney ends at death. After that, the executor or administrator handles estate matters. You may need to step into a different legal role to continue assisting.

If there’s no will, the estate is considered “intestate.” The state’s default rules will decide who gets what, usually starting with spouses and children. It may go to probate.

You’re not alone. This is common. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone, write about what you’re feeling, or simply give yourself permission to pause. We offer reflection prompts, playlists, and real stories from others who’ve been here too.

Complex relationships leave complex grief. Anger, resentment, relief, confusion—it’s all valid. You’re allowed to feel it without guilt. We offer tools for processing grief in its many forms.