A Path Through Loss:
Step-by-Step Guidance
following stages are designed to support you with clarity and care.
01
What you need to know - Key actions:
- If it happens in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home, the medical staff will confirm it.
- If it happens at home, you must call emergency services (911) or a doctor to officially declare it.
- Contact the county morgue if you already know the person is there. (UAB HOSPITAL)
- JEFFERSON COUNTY MORGUE
- Notify close relatives or trusted individuals.
- Secure any immediately necessary documents, such as a photo ID of the family member (driver’s license or passport) and preferably the birth certificate.
- Consulate of Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Venezuela, Guatemala, Ecuador
02
Decide on Body Care - Detailed Information:
- Options include choosing the funeral home of your preference and making a call to schedule an appointment.
- They take care of transporting the body and can help you with the entire process (wake, cremation, or burial).
- Be sure to check if the person had a funeral plan or specific wishes in place.
You may choose a traditional burial, cremation, green/eco-friendly burial, or donation. We will support you in exploring each alternative to honor your loved one in the way that is most appropriate for your family.
Types of burials.
03
Know Your Rights in Alabama - Legal Details:
- You are not required to work with any specific funeral provider.
- Alabama law gives families the right to compare prices, refuse unnecessary additional charges, and take their time.
- According to the Federal Trade Commission.
04
Start Planning the Service - Available Options:
- 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, make sure it is clear what you want to do for your loved one.
- Call or visit funeral homes and request a document called the GPL (General Price List). With this document, you can review the services the funeral home offers and their prices.
- Note: It is not necessary to schedule an appointment with the funeral home for this. Funeral homes are required to provide it.
05
Legal Declaration and Documentation - Requirements:
Notify institutions:
- Banks and insurance companies
- Social Security or pension office
- Workplace or employer
- Immigration or embassy (if the person was a foreign national)
Begin the succession process (if there are assets):
- If there is a will: follow the probate procedure.
- If there is no will: follow the intestate process.
It is advisable to seek legal counsel for this.
A legal declaration of death is required, meaning a death certificate, which is generally issued by a medical professional. The funeral home usually manages this, but if an autopsy is needed, you may need to contact the hospital directly or the physician who treated the person during their life. Also notify Social Security of the death.
06
Community and Emotional Support - Available Resources:
- Cancel or transfer services:
Electricity, water, phone, subscriptions, social media accounts, etc. - Seek psychological support if needed.
- Find grief support as soon as possible.
About Shelly G. Sanchez
The founder of Next Step Alabama Funeral Consultancy
About Shelly G. Sanchez
The founder of Next Step Alabama Funeral Consultancy
Next Step was founded by Shelly G. Sanchez, a long-time Alabama resident and community advocate. Shelly created this nonprofit after personally experiencing the confusion, pressure, and emotional exhaustion that can come with sudden loss. Her vision is simple: no one should have to face grief without guidance.
Today, Next Step offers free bilingual education and emotional support to families across Alabama. Our work focuses on informing, equipping, and empowering people—whether you are making arrangements, supporting a loved one, or planning ahead.
We don’t sell services. We provide clarity, compassion, and calm.