What to Do After a Parent Dies — Free Practical Checklist
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Organized checklists & worksheets
10+ pages of fill-in tracking sheets so nothing gets missed or forgotten.
Steps in the order you need them
Priority-sequenced action steps — from the first phone call to the days that follow.
Clear explanations, not just lists
We explain what needs to get done, and why — so you feel informed, not just busy.
Free — instant download
What's inside the checklist
40 pages covering everything from the first few phone calls to the details most people don't think about until it's too late.
- ✓Checklist of what to do in the first couple of days — in priority order
- ✓Questions to ask a funeral home to avoid surprise costs
- ✓A list of people to notify after you've told the immediate family
- ✓How to designate a Communications Lead — with a task list for them
- ✓Tips for protecting the family from identity theft and scams
- ✓10+ fill-in worksheets to keep everything organized
- ✓Funeral home questions worksheet — six pages of what to ask and space to record answers
About Lode Light Guides
A knowledgeable friend who's been through this before
We've been in the position you're standing in right now — knowing there's a lot to do, but not knowing what to do or where to start.
That's why we created Lode Light Guides. We're not death professionals or funeral directors. We're a family who's been through the loss of a parent and want to help you avoid some of the mistakes we made.
We're an independent, third-party resource — our only mission is to have your back. We gathered so much information through this process that we ended up creating a whole guide series to help you through it — but more on that later.
Just get through these details first.
— Sasha & Mark, Lode Light Guides
Questions we get asked
Why is this free? +
Because we wish someone had given this to us when we needed it. We believe everyone navigating a parent's loss deserves practical, clear guidance — not a paywall. We also publish in-depth guides for those who want more help, and we think once you see the quality of this checklist, you'll trust us with the rest of your journey.
Who is this checklist for? +
This checklist is written for adult children — and anyone close to the family — who have recently lost a parent, or who know that loss is coming soon and want to be prepared. It covers the practical steps most people don't know about until they're already in the middle of them.
What's included? +
The guide is 40 pages and includes step-by-step checklists for the first 48 hours, a priority-sequenced to-do list, fill-in worksheets for tracking important information, a list of people to notify, questions to ask a funeral home, and guidance on protecting the family from scams and identity theft. It's designed to be printed and worked through at your own pace.
Will I receive marketing emails if I sign up? +
Yes — and we take that seriously. When you sign up, you'll receive the checklist immediately followed by occasional emails with compassionate resources, planning guides, and helpful tips for the weeks ahead. We don't believe in daily emails or hard selling. You can unsubscribe at any time with one click, and you can also download the checklist directly without signing up if you prefer.
More from Lode Light Guides
More help for when you're ready
The checklist gets you through the first 48 hours. These guides carry you through what comes next.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.