What to Do When a Death Occurs
When someone you love passes away, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The hours and days following a death involve both emotional and practical decisions, and it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Saddleback Chapel Mortuary is here to guide you through every step. Call us at (714) 544-1450 at any hour, any day of the week. We will walk you through the immediate steps and begin arranging the care of your loved one.
The following guide will help you understand what happens after a death and what you can expect as you begin the planning process.
Immediate Steps
Step 1: Call Saddleback Chapel
Once the death has been confirmed by a medical professional, call Saddleback Chapel Mortuary at (714) 544-1450. We will arrange for the transfer of your loved one into our care. We can respond to hospitals, residences, care facilities, and the coroner’s office anywhere in Orange County and throughout Southern California.
There is no need to have all of your decisions made before you call. Our team will explain what happens next and help you begin the process at your own pace. You do not need to rush.
Step 2: Gather Important Documents
In the days following the death, you will need several key documents to complete funeral arrangements, file for benefits, and settle the estate. Having these items ready will help the planning process go more smoothly:
- Full legal name of the deceased. Including any maiden or previous names.
- Social Security number.
- Date of birth and place of birth.
- Military discharge papers (DD-214) if the deceased was a veteran.
- Insurance policies. Life insurance, burial insurance, or pre-need funeral plans.
- Clothing and personal items. For the viewing or visitation, if applicable.
- Recent photographs. For obituary preparation and tribute materials.
Step 3: Notify Family, Friends, and Employers
Begin notifying close family members and friends. If the deceased was employed, contact their employer. When we file the death certificate, we will electronically notify Social Security on your behalf. Our funeral directors can advise you on additional notifications, including financial institutions, insurance companies, and government agencies.
What Happens Next
After you contact Saddleback Chapel Mortuary and we receive your loved one into our care, the next steps involve meeting with one of our funeral directors to plan the service. Here is what you can expect:
The Arrangement Conference
You will meet with a funeral director, either in person at our facility or by phone, to discuss your wishes and make decisions about the type of service, merchandise, and any personalization options. This meeting typically takes 1 to 2 hours. You are welcome to bring family members, a clergy person, or anyone who is helping you with the planning.
During this meeting, we will help you with:
- Choosing between burial and cremation
- Selecting a service type (funeral, memorial, celebration of life, graveside)
- Choosing a casket, urn, or other merchandise
- Publishing the obituary
- Scheduling the service dates and times
- Arranging for flowers, music, and other personal touches
- Ordering certified copies of the death certificate
Death Certificates
Certified copies of the death certificate are required to close bank accounts, file insurance claims, transfer property titles, and settle the estate. We will help you determine how many certified copies you need and include them as part of our services. In California, death certificates are issued by the county and typically available within 2 to 4 weeks.
Obituary
We will help you publish an obituary. The obituary can be posted on our website, shared on social media, and submitted to local newspapers. We can also assist with preparing the obituary for church bulletins or memorial programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when a loved one passes away?
Call the appropriate medical authority (hospice, physician, or 911 depending on the circumstances), then call Saddleback Chapel Mortuary at (714) 544-1450. We will guide you through everything from that point forward.
Do I have to make all decisions right away?
No. While certain logistical steps happen in the first 24 to 48 hours (transferring your loved one into our care, beginning the death certificate process), the planning of the service itself can proceed at whatever pace feels right for your family. Our funeral directors will not rush you.
Can you pick up my loved one from a hospital or care facility?
Yes. Saddleback Chapel Mortuary provides transfer services from hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private residences, and the coroner’s office throughout Orange County and Southern California. We are available 24 hours a day.
How much does a funeral or cremation cost?
The cost depends on the services and merchandise you select. We are committed to transparent pricing and will provide a written estimate before any services begin. You can view our General Price List on our pricing page or call us to discuss your budget and options.
What if my loved one had a pre-arranged plan with another funeral home?
If your loved one had a plan with a different provider, contact us and we will work with you to determine whether a transfer is possible and help manage the process.
Call Us Now for Immediate Assistance
Saddleback Chapel Mortuary is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (714) 544-1450 and a member of our team will guide you through the next steps with care and patience. You do not have to navigate this alone.