Illustration of a first phone call for family support

When someone dies, the first step is the formal medical confirmation of death. Collection and funeral arrangements follow. The order depends on whether the person died at home, in hospital, or in circumstances requiring further action by the authorities.

If the person may still be alive, or you are unsure what has happened, call emergency medical services immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. A funeral director does not replace medical assistance.

If the death occurs at home

Arrange for the competent doctor to attend and for the necessary documentation. Belgrade’s public funeral service, JKP Pogrebne usluge, explains that its duty centre coordinates notification of the forensic doctor. Ask the centre or your chosen funeral director who will arrange this examination.

A telephone agreement with a funeral director does not mean the medical formalities are complete. Ask what happens next and who is responsible. In unusual or suspicious circumstances, follow the instructions of emergency services and the relevant authorities.

If the person dies in hospital

Contact the hospital service informing the family. Check when and where documents can be collected, who may collect them, and how release to the funeral director will be arranged. Hospital documentation provides the basis for obtaining the civil death certificate.

Write down the department and the relevant contact. This helps keep information consistent when several relatives are involved.

What to prepare for the first conversation

  • The deceased person’s full name and current location.
  • Whether the doctor has completed the required examination.
  • Any identity documents already available.
  • Details of an existing grave, if the family has one.
  • Any known wishes about the funeral.
  • The name and telephone number of the person confirming arrangements.

You do not need every answer before making the first call. Explain what you have and what is still missing. Ask for a short list of next steps and an estimate showing what is included.

Tell relatives once arrangements are confirmed

Agree who will inform family and friends. Share the date, time and location only after confirmation. This avoids conflicting messages and later corrections to a funeral notice.

Must every document be ready before calling? No, but the required documents must be in place for each subsequent stage.

Can the family choose a date in advance? You can express a preference. The cemetery and the service coordinating the funeral must confirm the appointment.

For help with arrangements, call Silans on 060 164 1234. Explain where the deceased is and which documents you already have so we can identify the next step.

Sources and verification

Information checked on 22 September 2026.

Last updated: 22. 09. 2026. · For questions about your situation, call Silans.

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