A death has occurred. What do I need to do now?
Death often comes suddenly. This page gives you first guidance. Most importantly: you do not have to handle everything alone. Call us and we will take over.
24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 0176 821 38 391
Where did the death occur?
At home
Please call the family doctor or the medical on-call service on 116 117. The doctor issues the death certificate. Then call us.
In hospital
The hospital usually arranges the medical death certificate. Let us know as soon as you have received the news.
In a care home
In a care or retirement home, the death certificate is usually arranged by the facility. Call us and we will coordinate with the home.
Abroad
Call us. We clarify with the local authorities and the consulate which documents are needed and arrange the repatriation.
The next steps
“When their time comes, they cannot delay it for a single hour, nor can they bring it forward.”
Surah al-A'raf, 7:34
Inform a doctor
If the death occurred at home, call the family doctor or the medical on-call service (116 117). In an emergency, dial 112.
Call us
As soon as the doctor has been informed or you have received the news from the hospital or care home, call us. We will clarify everything else with you.
Prepare documents
Gather the documents from the checklist. Whatever is missing, we will obtain together with you.
We take over
We collect the deceased, deal with the authorities and arrange the washing, funeral prayer and burial or repatriation.
Checklist: documents needed
Tick what you already have. Your selection is only saved in this browser.
Ask us, we will help you put everything together. Power of attorney
Create a funeral notice
Enter the details and the notice is created instantly.<br>You can then download it as an image or share it directly, for example via WhatsApp.
This information is intended as first guidance and does not replace medical or legal advice. We will discuss with you personally which documents are needed in your case.
We are here for you. At any time.
Call us or send us a WhatsApp message. We will calmly discuss everything with you, also at night and on public holidays.