Compassionate guidance every step of the way.
What to do when someone passes away?
01
Identify what you need
The next 24 hours may feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you understand what to expect and what requires immediate attention.
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02
Decide on Body Care
Options include choosing the funeral home of your choice and calling to make an appointment.
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03
Know Your Rights in Alabama
You are not obligated to work with any specific funeral provider. Alabama law gives families the right to compare prices, refuse unnecessary charges, and take their time.
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04
Start Planning Your Service
You can choose how to gather with your family, outdoors or at home. Whether it’s a traditional tribute or something more intimate and personal, be clear about what you want to do with the deceased.
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05
Legal Statement and Documentation
Notify institutions. A legal declaration of death is required, i.e., a death certificate, which is usually issued by a medical professional. The funeral home will take care of this, but if an autopsy is necessary, you can contact the hospital directly.
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06
Community and/or emotional support
You are not alone. There are links to culturally sensitive grief organizations, references to bilingual counseling, and ways to support children and older family members through this process. (HICA link)
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Next Step Alabama Funeral Consultancy.
We understand how confusing and painful it can be when a loved one passes away. The emotions, the decisions, the uncertainties…
It’s a lot to deal with.
We understand how confusing and painful it can be when a loved one passes away. The emotions, the decisions, the uncertainties…
It’s a lot to deal with.
Who is Shelly G. Sanchez?
After ten years in the funeral industry, I have witnessed firsthand the immediate disorientation and confusion that families experience after losing a loved one.
In those early moments, when grief is overwhelming, knowing what to do next seems impossible. Although funeral homes are there to help, their guidance often depends on hiring their services.
Next Step: Alabama Funeral Consulting bridges that gap by offering clear, compassionate, and independent guidance precisely when you need it most, regardless of which funeral provider you choose.
Disclaimer and Important Information
As a nonprofit educational consultancy, Next Step: Alabama Funeral Consultancy offers free guidance and resources to the community. Please note the following:
We are not a funeral home:
Next Step is a consulting and resource center. We do not provide or sell funeral services, merchandise, or embalming.
Independent Guidance:
Our goal is to empower you with knowledge. The information and advice provided are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for legal advice. We are here to support your decisions, not to make them for you.
Alabama State Law:
In the state of Alabama, it is a felony for any person or entity to conduct, or represent themselves as conducting, the business of a funeral director or embalmer without a license. Next Step is not a funeral home and does not perform the functions of a funeral director or embalmer. Our role is solely to provide educational information and free consultations to help you explore your options.
Decease Care
Whether you are dealing with a recent loss or planning for the future, these guides are here to provide clarity, comfort, and support when you need it most.
We are ready to help you!
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please feel free to call us anytime, for any reason. Rest assured that we are here to help you and your family.