What to do in case of acute death

The death of a loved one is always a shock and an emotionally overwhelming situation. That is why we have listed the most important immediate steps that you can focus on in order to be able to overcome this difficult situation.

The first steps

1. Call a doctor or emergency service (112)

The death of a person must be officially confirmed by a doctor. As soon as the death is confirmed, the attending physician issues the death certificate (or death certificate). This document serves as official proof of the person's death and is required for further steps.

2. Tell your loved ones

  • Tell your loved ones as quickly as possible and as personally as possible. A personal conversation is, of course, the best option.
  • When making a phone call, make sure that your interlocutor is not in a situation where he or she could put himself or others in danger. Otherwise, ask for a call back.
  • Get to the point quickly. Your counterpart will recognize from your voice that something bad has happened. Clearly state what happened (What? When? Where?).
  • Clarify next steps
    Ask if your relatives would like to see the deceased person again and let them know if, where and when the opportunity is available.
  • Clarify Who takes care of the funeral and call the funeral home.

3. Hire the funeral home

We will support you with all the steps that now follow. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will take care of the next steps.

Akuter Sterbefall Soforthilfe

What follows

4. Picking up the deceased person

We will arrange for collection immediately. If you or your family still need some time to say goodbye, please let us know. There is usually some time left, as deceased people must be picked up within 36 hours of death.

5. Registration of the death/death certificate

The death must be reported to the local registry office. We will also do that for you. For this purpose, we need the following documents from the deceased person, depending on their marital status:

  • Single: birth certificate
  • Married: birth certificate, marriage certificate
  • Divorced: birth certificate, marriage certificate and divorce decree
  • Widowed: birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate of the deceased partner

If documents can no longer be found, we can arrange them for you at the relevant registry offices.

6. Funeral planning

In a personal conversation, we will clarify with you what you would like for the funeral. Should it be an earth burial or cremation? Where should the deceased person's resting place be? What would you like for the party? We will then also coordinate with the desired cemetery for you.

7. Pension and termination of health insurance

After the death certificates have been issued, all cancellations can be made with them. The health insurance company and pension office will be informed by us. If you are entitled to a widow's or widower's pension, we will apply for the 3-month transitional pension (quarter of death) for you. If you need further assistance with cancellations, we are also here for you.

In 3 steps to your non-binding offer

You can make yourself a free offer here or simply give us a call. In any case, we will provide you with a non-binding consultation, discuss any questions you may have and how you would like your funeral to proceed.

What our customers say about us

Google Bewertung Memovida

On Friday last week, my mom went her last journey. With Memovida, we found lovely people who were available to us with advice and assistance, a bit unconventional but the best decision we could make. From start to finish, we received great care so that I had time to mourn my mom. Many thanks to Mrs. Haan for the lovely conversations on the phone and to everyone else who did their very best.

Jeanett M.

Step by step, we were helped to shape our loved one's last journey. There were no questions left unanswered. A truly respectful and compassionate service.

Hanna F.

I am impressed by the professionalism and at the same time the consideration of individual needs and wishes. The necessary handling of the funeral service felt human and not clinical.

Sven N.

It is a relief in these times when a company takes care of everything. I was able to concentrate on what was important: remembering my grandmother. Just wonderful.

Lea K.