A loved one has passed away – what needs to be arranged?
6 tasks in suggested order
1. Arrange for the examination of the deceased; the registration of the death and issuance of the death certificate are subsequently handled by the competent civil registry office in accordance with official procedures.
Immediately after death; death certificate issued after registration by the civil registry office.
Doctor/medical facility and the civil registry office competent for the place of death.
Documents of the deceased (and the notifier, if requested by the relevant institution).
In the event of death outside a medical facility, first call a doctor or emergency services; do not move or handle the deceased before the body has been examined.
Official source: portal.gov.cz
2. Select a funeral home, arrange the funeral or cremation, and coordinate the collection of personal belongings and necessary documents.
After the examination of the body and in accordance with the instructions of the facility or funeral home.
The funeral home of your choice, or the cemetery administrator.
Proof of identity of the person arranging the funeral, plus any documents or clothing requested by the funeral home.
The funeral home is a contracted service provider; verify the price and scope of the services ordered.
Official source: portal.gov.cz
3. Inform the deceased's employer and notify institutions paying pensions or benefits, unless they receive the information automatically or require additional details.
As soon as possible after obtaining the necessary document.
Employer, ČSSZ (Czech Social Security Administration), Labour Office, or other specific payer.
Death certificate or details regarding the death, identification of the deceased, and benefit/insurance number.
Do not use the deceased's bank account or benefits after their death without legal authorization; any overpayment may be subject to recovery.
Official source: portal.gov.cz
4. Secure the residence and property; contact banks, insurance companies, landlords, and utility providers to determine which services can be suspended or transferred pending the probate proceedings.
Verify authorization without undue delay following the death, but before disposing of assets.
The deceased's individual contractual partners.
Death certificate, contract numbers, and proof of authorization to act (if required by the provider).
A surviving relative is not automatically authorized to manage all of the deceased's accounts and contracts.
Official source: portal.gov.cz
5. Gather information regarding assets, debts, the will, and heirs for the probate proceedings; wait to be contacted by the court-appointed notary.
After the death; prepare the necessary documents prior to the first hearing.
A notary acting as a court commissioner appointed by the court, not a notary of one's own choosing.
Death certificate, family documents, will, inventory of accounts, real estate, vehicles, contracts, and debts.
Do not sell assets or automatically acknowledge debts before knowing the heir's legal status.
Official source: portal.gov.cz
6. Verify eligibility for a widow’s, widower’s, or orphan’s pension and submit an application on behalf of eligible persons.
After the death, once you have the necessary documents; the benefit is not assessed solely within the inheritance proceedings.
Relevant social security administration/ČSSZ.
Proof of identity, death and civil registry documents, and insurance records as instructed by the ČSSZ.
A survivor’s pension is not automatically part of the inheritance and has its own eligibility criteria.
Official source: portal.gov.cz
