Navigating the Sudden Loss of a Loved One: What to Do When the Unimaginable Happens

The Lansky Law Firm Peace of Mind through Preparation.

Losing someone you love is a deeply personal and often disorienting experience. When that loss is sudden, the emotional weight can be compounded by the urgent responsibilities that follow. At The Lansky Law Firm, we understand that grief often arrives hand-in-hand with overwhelming decisions. Our goal is to provide families with clarity, compassion, and practical legal guidance during one of life’s most difficult times.

This guide outlines the essential steps to take in the days immediately following a loss—steps that can help you regain a sense of control and begin the process of honoring your loved one’s legacy.

1. Obtain the Death Certificate

The death certificate is the foundation of nearly every legal and financial process that follows. This official document is necessary to close bank accounts, access insurance policies, and begin probate.

If your loved one passed away in a hospital or under hospice care, medical staff will typically handle the certification process. If the death occurred unexpectedly at home, calling 911 will initiate the necessary protocols.

The Lansky Law Firm recommends requesting 10 to 15 certified copies to avoid delays in settling the estate.

2. Notify Family, Friends, and Employers

Informing others of a loved one’s passing is one of the most emotionally taxing responsibilities. Begin with immediate family and close friends, then contact your loved one’s employer, who may need to address payroll, benefits, or workplace communications.

If your loved one maintained social media accounts, you may consider sharing a memorial post or using their account to notify others. Preparing a short message can help streamline these conversations during an emotionally challenging time.

At The Lansky Law Firm, we remind our clients that this is not a step to be rushed—you can take it at your own pace and lean on others for support if needed.

3. Locate or Make Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

If your loved one had pre-arranged their funeral, burial, or cremation plans, those instructions will help guide this process. Look for:

• Prepaid funeral or burial contracts

• Religious or cultural preferences

• Burial plot documentation

• Requests for military or civic honors

If no plan exists, family members will need to work together to make arrangements that reflect their loved one’s spirit and values. Funeral homes and religious leaders can help provide direction during this emotional process.

The Lansky Law Firm is available to help clarify how funeral-related expenses and plans interact with the legal administration of the estate.

4. Secure the Home and Property

Amid the whirlwind of emotions, securing your loved one’s home is often overlooked—but it’s a vital step in protecting their assets.

We recommend the following:

• Change the locks

• Secure valuables and important documents

• Forward mail to a reliable address

• Arrange care for pets or plants

• Notify neighbors or local law enforcement if the property will be vacant

At The Lansky Law Firm, we work with families to ensure no detail is missed, even when attention is divided by grief.

5. Locate the Will or Estate Plan

Estate planning documents are essential for determining how your loved one’s assets should be managed and distributed. Look for:

• A Last Will and Testament

• Any trust agreements

• Letters of instruction

These may be stored in a safe, filing cabinet, or at the office of an estate planning attorney. If your loved one worked with The Lansky Law Firm, please contact us right away—we are here to support you in carrying out their wishes faithfully and efficiently.

If no estate plan exists, Tennessee’s intestate succession laws will determine how the estate is divided, which may not align with your loved one’s preferences and can delay the probate process.

6. Lean on Legal Support for the Next Steps

Grief is difficult enough on its own. When you’re also tasked with managing probate, settling debts, and distributing assets, the burden can feel overwhelming.

At The Lansky Law Firm, we offer more than just legal services—we offer peace of mind. Whether you’ve been named as executor or are simply trying to make sense of your next steps, our team will guide you with clarity, compassion, and a deep commitment to honoring your loved one’s legacy.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

There is no timeline for healing, no manual for grief. But with the right support—both personal and professional—you can begin to move forward, one step at a time.

The Lansky Law Firm is here to walk with you through this difficult chapter, helping you settle your loved one’s affairs with dignity, purpose, and care.

Need support navigating a recent loss?

We’re here to help—every step of the way. Reach out to schedule a compassionate, no-pressure consultation.

Visit Us: 6800 Poplar Ave #225, Memphis, TN 38138  Call Us: (901) 767-7006  Learn More: www.lanskylawfirm.com