What Happens After a Loved One Passes at Home? Step-by-Step Guide for Families in Santa Monica & Los Angeles
When a loved one passes at home, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and deeply emotional. Families in Santa Monica and Los Angeles often are not sure who to call first, what is legally required, or how quickly they must act. In these moments, having a calm, clear guide can make all the difference. Farrington Mortuary & Cremation is here to walk you through each step with compassion and respect.
If your loved one has just passed at home in Santa Monica or the greater Los Angeles area, you can contact Farrington Mortuary & Cremation any time for immediate assistance and guidance.
Immediate steps at home
What to do when someone dies at home in Santa Monica or Los Angeles depends on whether the death was expected or unexpected. Taking the right first steps helps ensure everything is handled properly.
If the death was expected (hospice or serious illness)
If your loved one was under hospice care or a doctor had already documented a terminal illness:
Contact the hospice nurse or attending physician.
The hospice nurse is usually the one who will come to your home, confirm the death, and begin the necessary paperwork.Avoid calling 911 unless instructed.
In expected deaths under hospice, emergency services are usually not needed and may complicate the process.Take the time you need for goodbyes.
Many families spend a quiet hour or two with their loved one before the funeral home arrives. Hospice and funeral professionals understand and support this.
Once the death has been officially pronounced, you can call Farrington Mortuary & Cremation to transfer your loved one into our care.
If the death was unexpected
For sudden or unexpected deaths at home where hospice was not involved:
Call 911 immediately.
Emergency responders will arrive to attempt resuscitation if appropriate or confirm that death has occurred.Law enforcement or the coroner may be involved.
If the death is unexpected, unattended, or the cause is unclear, the local authorities or coroner’s office may need to investigate.Do not disturb the surroundings.
If the coroner is called, they may need to see the environment as it is. Avoid moving items around until they advise you.
After the coroner has completed their part and released your loved one, you can direct them to release your loved one to Farrington Mortuary & Cremation, where all further arrangements can be handled.
Contacting Farrington Mortuary & Cremation
Once a nurse, physician, paramedic, or coroner has confirmed the death, your next step is to decide which funeral home will care for your loved one. Families in Santa Monica and Los Angeles often choose Farrington Mortuary & Cremation because of our local roots, experience, and 24/7 availability.
When you call, you’ll be asked for some basic information:
Your loved one’s full name and date of birth
The address where the death occurred
Whether hospice or a physician is involved
Your name, relationship, and contact details
Our team will then arrange for a professional, respectful transfer from your home or from the coroner’s office to our facility. You do not have to make every decision right away. The most important thing in those first moments is simply making sure your loved one is in safe, caring hands.
Notifying family and close friends
After contacting the appropriate professionals and the funeral home, most families begin notifying relatives and close friends. This step can be emotionally draining, so consider asking one trusted person to help you.
Some helpful approaches include:
Start with immediate family members, then close friends.
Make a short list before you begin, so no one important is overlooked.
Consider waiting before posting anything on social media until all close family has been informed.
If you feel overwhelmed during these calls, it is completely normal. Grief is personal, and there is no “right” way to feel in these moments.
Securing the home and important documents
If your loved one lived alone, you may want to secure their home and personal belongings as soon as you are able:
Lock doors and windows and collect keys, wallets, and phones.
Locate important documents such as identification, Social Security card, military discharge papers, insurance policies, and any pre-arranged funeral plans.
If there are pets, arrange for their immediate care.
These tasks do not all need to be done on the same day, but making simple notes or a checklist can help keep things from feeling chaotic.
How the death certificate works
A certified death certificate is required for many legal and financial matters, such as closing bank accounts, filing life insurance claims, or transferring property. The good news is that the funeral home will help you through this process.
In most cases:
The physician, hospice doctor, or medical examiner completes the medical portion of the death certificate.
Farrington Mortuary & Cremation prepares and files the death certificate with the appropriate county office.
You can order multiple certified copies through our team, who will guide you on how many you may need.
Many families request 5–10 certified copies, depending on how many institutions they need to notify.
Making funeral, cremation, or memorial plans
Once the most urgent steps are handled, you can turn your attention to how you wish to honor your loved one. Farrington Mortuary & Cremation offers a range of options for families in Santa Monica and Los Angeles, including:
Traditional funeral services with viewing and burial
Cremation with or without a ceremony
Memorial services held at a later date
Natural or green options
During your arrangement conference (in-person, by phone, or sometimes by video), you’ll have time to discuss:
Your loved one’s wishes or any pre-arrangements they made
Your family’s traditions, faith, or cultural practices
Your budget and the overall style of service you desire
You do not need to have all the answers before meeting with the funeral director. Our role is to walk through options, answer questions, and help you create a service that feels meaningful and personal.
Burial at sea in Southern California
For families who feel a special connection to the ocean, burial at sea can be a peaceful and beautiful way to say goodbye. This option is especially popular with families in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and along the Southern California coast.
Farrington Mortuary & Cremation offers burial at sea options, including:
Scattering of cremated remains offshore by a licensed vessel
Private charter options for families who wish to be present
Unattended services where our team carries out the burial at sea on your behalf
How burial at sea works
Your loved one is cremated, and their ashes may be placed in a biodegradable urn or scattered directly at sea, depending on your preference.
A vessel departs from a local harbor (for example, Marina del Rey or another Southern California port) and travels the required distance offshore.
A simple ceremony can include readings, prayers, music, or quiet reflection. Flowers or petals may be released as a symbol of farewell, in accordance with regulations.
After the service, you can receive a certificate or coordinates of the scattering location as a keepsake.
Legal and environmental guidelines
Burial at sea is legal when done in accordance with regulations. Key points include:
Cremated remains must be committed to the ocean at least three nautical miles from shore.
Only biodegradable materials may be used in the water.
A report is filed with the proper authorities after the scattering at sea.
Working with an experienced provider like Farrington Mortuary & Cremation ensures that all legal and environmental guidelines are followed, giving families peace of mind.
Legal and financial matters after a death
In the days and weeks after a death at home, there are practical matters to address. These may include:
Notifying the Social Security Administration
Contacting life insurance companies
Informing banks, credit card companies, and financial advisors
Reviewing wills, trusts, or estate plans with an attorney
Updating property titles, vehicle registrations, and beneficiary designations
If your loved one did not leave a will, California law will determine how their estate is handled through the probate process. If you are unsure where to begin, your funeral director can often refer you to local legal resources or estate professionals.
Grief support in Santa Monica and Los Angeles
Grief does not follow a set timeline, and everyone experiences it differently. Support is available locally and online to help you and your family through this time.
Some families find comfort in:
One-on-one grief counseling with a therapist or counselor
Support groups for spouses, parents, or children
Faith-based or spiritual communities
Simple personal rituals like journaling, walking by the ocean, or creating a memorial at home
Farrington Mortuary & Cremation can provide referrals to trusted grief support resources in the Santa Monica and Los Angeles area if you would like additional help.
Planning ahead after experiencing a loss
Going through the loss of a loved one often prompts families to consider pre-planning their own arrangements. While it can feel like a difficult subject, many people find it brings a sense of peace.
Pre-planning allows you to:
Record your wishes for burial, cremation, or burial at sea
Ease the emotional and financial burden on your family
Ensure your preferences are clearly documented
Farrington Mortuary & Cremation offers pre-planning consultations for individuals and couples, with no obligation. Even writing down basic preferences can be a gift to those you love.
Choosing a funeral home you can trust
When you are facing one of the hardest days of your life, the funeral home you choose becomes a partner in caring for your loved one and supporting your family. Families in Santa Monica and Los Angeles often look for:
24/7 availability and prompt, respectful care
Clear, transparent pricing and options
Experience with both traditional services and alternatives like burial at sea in Southern California
A calm, compassionate team that takes time to listen
Farrington Mortuary & Cremation is honored to serve families across Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area with attentive, personalized care. If your loved one has passed at home and you are unsure what to do next, you are not alone. Help is only a phone call away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when someone dies at home in Santa Monica or Los Angeles?
If the death was expected and your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice nurse or attending physician first. If the death was unexpected and hospice is not involved, call 911 so emergency responders and, if necessary, the coroner can be notified. Once the death is confirmed, you can contact Farrington Mortuary & Cremation to bring your loved one into our care.
Can my loved one stay at home for a little while so we can say goodbye?
Yes. Many families choose to spend some quiet time with their loved one at home before the funeral home arrives. As long as the death has been officially pronounced by a nurse, doctor, or appropriate authority, it is usually possible to take an hour or two for private goodbyes. Your hospice nurse or our staff can advise you based on your specific situation.
How long does it take to receive the death certificate?
In most cases, it can take several days to a couple of weeks for the death certificate to be completed, filed, and made available for certified copies. Farrington Mortuary & Cremation will guide you through how many copies you might need and help you obtain them.
What is the process for burial at sea in Southern California?
First, your loved one is cremated. Then, by arrangement with the funeral home, a licensed vessel travels offshore where the ashes are committed to the ocean in accordance with regulations. You may choose to be present for the scattering or have it carried out privately on your behalf. A record of the date and general location is typically provided for your family’s keepsakes.
Is burial at sea legal?
Yes, burial at sea is legal when it follows federal and state guidelines. Ashes must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore, and only biodegradable materials may be used in the water. Working through an experienced funeral provider ensures everything is done properly and respectfully.
What if the coroner takes my loved one?
If your loved one’s death is unexpected or requires investigation, the coroner may take custody temporarily. Once their work is complete, you can choose Farrington Mortuary & Cremation as your funeral home, and the coroner’s office will release your loved one to us for all further arrangements.
Do I have to make all the funeral decisions immediately?
No. After the initial call and transfer into our care, most families take some time to rest and gather their thoughts. Arrangements can be made over the next day or two, in a calm setting, with our staff guiding you through each option step by step.
