Make the right first call.
An emergency, an unexpected apparent death, or uncertainty about whether the person is alive
Call 911. Give the location and describe what you see. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions, including instructions about first aid or moving the person. Do not wait to compare funeral providers.
An expected death at home while receiving hospice care
Call the hospice team using the number in the care plan and follow its instructions. The team can arrange confirmation of death and help coordinate the next steps with a funeral provider. Tell them about any religious or cultural practices you hope to observe.
Source: Hospice Foundation of America: when death happens at home ↗
A death in a hospital or care facility
Speak with the nurse or responsible staff member. Ask who is handling the legal pronouncement, whom to contact about release, and whether the medical examiner or coroner is involved. Tell staff about rituals or wishes before transfer is arranged.
If a death at home was expected but hospice is not involved, contact the treating clinician for instructions. If there is an immediate emergency or uncertainty about signs of life, call 911.
Source: National Institute on Aging: what to do after someone dies ↗
Once immediate care is handled.
- Find existing instructions. Look for funeral wishes, an advance health care directive, and any prepaid arrangement documents. Ask the provider to confirm who has legal authority to authorize arrangements. Choosing a family spokesperson does not itself grant that authority.
- Choose a point of contact. A trusted person can keep notes, coordinate updates, and help the authorized decision-maker ask questions. If authority is disputed, get professional guidance before signing.
- Discuss transfer and price together. Ask where the person will be cared for, what the transfer costs, which services you are authorizing now, and who coordinates any county release. Ask for the General Price List and a written, itemized estimate.
- Keep a short practical record. Note the staff contact, any case number, the selected provider, and the next promised update. Keep identity documents and financial information off public forms and shared messages.
Source: California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau: consumer guide (PDF) ↗
For the pricing documents you can request, read your consumer rights. Ask the people coordinating care what must happen now and what can wait; release and service timing depend on the circumstances.
Los Angeles County
Release, certificates, and belongings.
If the Medical Examiner has the case
Give your chosen funeral director the case information and say the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner is involved. The director coordinates release with the department. The department does not choose a funeral home for you.
Ask the department about belongings separately from release of the person. Contact its property section before visiting; viewing is arranged through the selected funeral home, not at the Medical Examiner’s facility. Confirm case-specific timing before announcing a service.
Source: LA County Medical Examiner: help for families ↗
If you need a death certificate
Start with the funeral provider or LA County Public Health’s certificate instructions. Public Health lists records for the current and previous year, excluding Pasadena and Long Beach. For those cities, confirm the correct local office; for other records, use the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
Check whether the organization requesting a certificate needs an authorized certified copy. An informational copy may not serve the same purpose. Confirm eligibility and application requirements before ordering.
Source: LA County: who can obtain a death certificate copy ↗
Orange County
Release, certificates, and permits.
If the Coroner has the case
Give the assigned Coroner case number to your chosen mortuary or cremation provider so it can arrange release. Ask the Deputy Coroner about the examination timeline before setting a service date.
The Coroner’s facility does not offer public viewing. Ask your selected provider about viewing and whether it can collect belongings on your behalf; the county describes the required authorization in its release guidance. Property pickup at the facility requires an appointment.
Source: Orange County Sheriff-Coroner: family FAQs ↗
If you need a death certificate or burial permit
The Orange County Office of Vital Records registers local deaths, issues certified copies, and provides burial permits. Its site links to ordering instructions and a separate public burial-permit guide. Public burial-permit services require an appointment.
Ask your funeral provider which records and permits it is arranging before placing a duplicate order. Use the county’s current instructions for applications, eligibility, fees, and availability.
Source: Orange County Health Care Agency: Office of Vital Records ↗
For the next conversation.
You can say: “Please tell me what needs to happen next, who is responsible, what it will cost, and when I should expect an update.” You can also ask a trusted person to listen and take notes.
If costs are a concern, say so before authorizing services and ask about available options and any assistance process. Eligibility and availability must be confirmed by the responsible agency.