What should I do first?

If you are here because someone has recently passed away, Skyview Services PR extends our deepest condolences for your loss.

This page will guide you through the essential first steps. Scroll down and begin from the point that best applies to your current situation.

Step 1: Confirming the Passing

A licensed medical professional must officially declare the passing.

  • If the passing occurred at home → Call emergency services (911 in Puerto Rico).
  • If it occurred at a hospital → The medical staff will handle this process.
  • If the person was under hospice care → The hospice nurse or team will manage the necessary procedures.

No other process can begin until this step has been completed.
Step 2: Contacting a Licensed Funeral Home or Cremation Provider

Once the passing has been legally confirmed, a funeral home or cremation provider must take custody of and responsibility for the transfer of the body.

They will handle:

  • Coordinating the pickup and transportation
  • Managing the necessary documentation and initiating the required procedures
  • Guiding you through the final disposition options

The provider you choose will be able to walk you through these options and their associated costs. These are typically the first practical decisions you will need to make.
Step 3: Required Documentation

Your funeral provider will assist you with:

  • Death certificates
  • Registering the death with the appropriate agencies
  • Documents required for insurance, Social Security, banks, and estate-related matters

You do not have to navigate these processes on your own.
Step 4: Planning the Service

Once the immediate arrangements are in place, you can begin planning the memorial or commemorative service.

This may include:

  • Religious or secular ceremony
  • Speakers or spiritual leaders
  • Music selection
  • Invitations
  • Printed materials
  • Reception or gathering coordination
Step 5: Organizing Estate Matters

In the weeks following the service, many families face additional important responsibilities related to the assets and obligations left behind. These may include:

  • Reviewing bank accounts, insurance policies, investments, and debts
  • Managing the necessary legal documents
  • Clearing and preparing properties
  • Distributing or selling assets

These tasks help organize the estate and ensure that everything is handled in accordance with the law and the wishes of your loved one. SkyviewPR.com can assist you with the coordination, management, and services needed to complete them.