What it means: legal and medical terms after a death

In the days after a death, forms and phone calls fill up with formal words. Here are 62 of them in plain English. Search for a word, or pick where you saw it.

Last checked October 14, 2026. This is general information, not legal, tax or medical advice. Rules vary by state.

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62 terms

On the death certificate

DecedentThe person who died.

Lawyers, courts and forms use this word for them.

You'll see it: On the death certificate, court papers and bank forms.

Also called the deceased.

Pronouncement of deathThe official statement that the person has died, made by someone with authority, such as a doctor or a hospice nurse.

The date and time of pronouncement go on the death certificate.

You'll see it: Right after a death at home, in a hospital or in a nursing home.

Also called pronounced dead, time of death.

What to do when someone dies

Immediate cause of deathThe final disease, injury or complication that directly caused the death.

It goes on the first line of the cause-of-death section. Cardiac arrest alone is not a cause, because it only says the heart stopped.

You'll see it: Line a of the cause-of-death section on the death certificate.

Underlying cause of deathThe disease or injury that started the chain of events that led to the death.

It goes on the lowest line used in the cause-of-death section. This is the cause that national death statistics count.

You'll see it: The last filled-in line of the cause-of-death section.

Leading causes of death by age

Manner of deathHow the death came about, in one of six boxes: natural, accident, suicide, homicide, pending investigation or could not be determined.

Most deaths are marked "natural." "Pending investigation" is changed later, once the cause is known.

You'll see it: A checkbox on the death certificate.

Medical examiner or coronerThe official who looks into deaths that are sudden, violent or unusual, or that happen without a doctor's care.

A coroner is usually elected and may not be a doctor. A medical examiner is usually appointed and is usually a physician. Which one your county has depends on the state.

You'll see it: When a death happens at home without a doctor, or after an accident.

Also called ME, ME/C.

AutopsyA detailed medical examination of the body after death to find out the cause of death.

The medical examiner or coroner can order one when a death falls under their review.

You'll see it: On the death certificate, as "Was an autopsy performed?"

Also called postmortem examination, post mortem.

InformantThe family member or friend who gives the funeral home the personal facts for the death certificate, such as full name, birth date and parents' names.

It is usually the spouse, a parent or an adult child.

You'll see it: In the meeting with the funeral director. Your name goes on the certificate as informant.

Certified copyAn official copy of the death certificate from the vital records office in the state where the death happened.

Banks, insurers and government agencies usually ask for one. A photocopy is enough for some others.

You'll see it: When you close accounts or claim life insurance or benefits.

Also called certified death certificate.

How many death certificates you need

Burial permitPermission from the local registrar, or the signing doctor or medical examiner, to bury, cremate or move the body.

Where a state requires one, the death certificate has to be filled in first. The funeral home usually gets it for you.

You'll see it: Before a burial, cremation or moving the body to another state.

Also called burial-transit permit, disposition permit, authorization for final disposition.

DispositionWhat happens to the body in the end: burial, cremation, entombment, donation to science or removal to another state.

You'll see it: A checkbox on the death certificate, and in funeral home paperwork.

Also called final disposition, method of disposition.

From the funeral home and cemetery

General Price ListA list of every item and service the funeral home sells, with prices.

Federal law says the funeral home must give you one to keep.

You'll see it: At the start of the meeting with a funeral home.

Also called GPL.

Funeral cost estimator

Direct cremationCremation without a viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present.

Families often hold a memorial later. It does not require embalming.

You'll see it: On the General Price List, usually as the lowest-cost option.

Lowest-cost funeral options (Cheap Funeral)

Immediate burialBurial without a viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present, except for a graveside service.

It does not require embalming.

You'll see it: On the General Price List.

Also called direct burial.

EmbalmingTreating the body with chemicals to slow its natural changes, usually for a viewing.

No state requires it for every death. Some states require embalming or refrigeration if burial or cremation does not happen within a set time.

You'll see it: On the General Price List and the itemized statement.

Cash advance itemsThings the funeral home pays an outside party for on your behalf, such as cemetery fees, flowers, obituary notices, clergy and death certificates.

They are listed apart from the funeral home's own charges.

You'll see it: On the itemized statement of what you are buying.

Also called cash disbursements, accommodations.

Cremated remainsWhat is left after cremation: bone fragments processed to an even size.

They are usually kept in an urn, placed in a columbarium or buried.

You'll see it: When the crematory returns the person to you.

Also called cremains, ashes.

IntermentBurial.

The word covers burial in the ground, placing an urn (inurnment) and placing a body in a mausoleum (entombment).

You'll see it: On cemetery contracts and bills, as in "interment fee."

InurnmentPlacing cremated remains in an urn.

You'll see it: On cemetery and columbarium paperwork.

EntombmentBurial in a mausoleum, a building with spaces called crypts that hold a casket or cremated remains.

You'll see it: On the death certificate as a disposition, and on cemetery contracts.

Also called mausoleum burial, crypt.

ColumbariumA structure with small spaces, called niches, for urns of cremated remains.

It can be indoors, outdoors or part of a mausoleum.

You'll see it: When choosing where to place cremated remains.

Also called niche, niche wall.

Burial vault or grave linerA container that goes in the grave around the casket so the grave does not cave in.

A vault fully encloses the casket. A liner may cover only the top and sides. No state law requires one, but many cemeteries do.

You'll see it: On the General Price List or a separate container price list, and in cemetery rules.

Also called outer burial container, grave box.

Preneed contractA contract to arrange a funeral ahead of time and pay for some or all of it in advance.

State laws govern these, and the protections vary a lot from state to state.

You'll see it: In the person's papers, or when the funeral home asks if arrangements were made.

Also called prepaid funeral plan, pre-need, prearranged funeral.

Probate and the estate

EstateEverything the person owned when they died, such as money, a house, a car and belongings.

Debts are paid from the estate before anything goes to family.

You'll see it: In almost every conversation with a bank, a creditor or the court.

What happens to accounts, property and debts

ProbateThe court process that confirms a will is valid and puts someone in charge of the estate.

That person collects the property, pays debts and taxes, and passes on what is left. Not every estate needs it.

You'll see it: When a bank or the county recorder asks for court papers.

Does the estate need probate? (ProbateUS)

Personal representativeThe person with legal authority to handle the estate.

It is the umbrella term for an executor or an administrator. Courts often use the three words to mean the same job.

You'll see it: On court forms and on bank and insurance letters.

Also called PR, estate representative.

Probate by state (ProbateUS)

ExecutorThe person named in a will to carry out what it says.

The executor pays the person's debts from the estate and passes the rest to the people the will names. A court usually has to confirm the executor first.

You'll see it: In the will, and when a bank asks who has authority.

Also called executrix.

Probate by state (ProbateUS)

AdministratorThe person a court appoints to handle the estate when there is no will, or when the will names no executor who can serve.

You'll see it: On court papers when the person died without a will.

Also called administratrix.

Letters testamentaryThe court document that gives the executor named in a will the power to act for the estate.

Banks and other companies ask to see it before they release money or property.

You'll see it: When a bank, brokerage or title company asks for proof of authority.

Letters of administrationThe court document that puts an administrator in charge of an estate when there is no will.

It does the same job as letters testamentary.

You'll see it: When a bank or other company asks for proof of authority.

IntestateDying without a valid will.

State law then decides who inherits, usually the closest relatives, and the estate goes through probate court.

You'll see it: On court forms, and when family asks who gets what.

Also called intestacy, died without a will.

Probate by state (ProbateUS)

HeirA relative who inherits under state law when there is no will.

Who counts as an heir depends on the state.

You'll see it: On probate forms that ask you to list the heirs.

Also called heir at law, next of kin.

BeneficiaryA person or organization named to receive something, in a will, a trust, a life insurance policy or an account.

An heir inherits by law. A beneficiary is chosen by the person.

You'll see it: In the will, on insurance and retirement accounts, and in trust papers.

Small estate affidavitA sworn form that lets family collect property from a small estate without full probate.

Each state sets its own value limit and waiting period. In California, for example, it is 40 days after the death.

You'll see it: When a bank says the account is small enough to release without court papers.

Also called affidavit for collection of personal property, summary succession.

Small estate limits by state (ProbateUS)

Creditor claim periodThe window, set by state law, for people the person owed money to file a claim against the estate after formal notice.

In Florida, for example, it is usually 3 months after the notice is first published. Claims filed late are usually barred.

You'll see it: In probate, when the personal representative publishes or mails a notice to creditors.

Also called notice to creditors, claims deadline.

Creditor deadlines by state (ProbateUS)

Accounts and property that skip probate

Beneficiary designationA form the person filled out naming who gets an account when they die.

Life insurance, retirement accounts, pensions and annuities usually have one. That money goes to the named person directly, without probate.

You'll see it: When you call an insurer, an employer or a retirement plan.

What happens to retirement accounts

Payable on death (POD)A bank account with a named beneficiary.

When the owner dies, the money goes to that person without probate.

You'll see it: On a bank statement or account record, next to the owner's name.

Also called POD account, in trust for (ITF), Totten trust.

What happens to a bank account

Transfer on death (TOD)A label on a deed or other property that passes it to a named person at death without probate.

Not every state allows transfer-on-death deeds for houses.

You'll see it: On a deed or an account statement.

Also called TOD deed, beneficiary deed, TOD registration.

What happens to a house

Joint tenancy with right of survivorshipShared ownership where, when one owner dies, the surviving owner gets the whole thing.

Most joint bank accounts work this way. The property does not go through probate.

You'll see it: On a deed or a joint bank account.

Also called JTWROS, joint owner, right of survivorship.

What happens to a bank account

Community propertyIn some states, such as California, most of what a married couple earns or buys during the marriage belongs to both spouses equally.

In these states a surviving spouse can sometimes be responsible for a spouse's debts.

You'll see it: When a creditor or the court asks how property was owned.

What happens to credit card debt

Living trustA trust the person set up while alive and could change at any time.

Property held in the trust passes to the people it names without probate.

You'll see it: In the person's papers, or on a deed or account in the trust's name.

Also called revocable trust, revocable living trust.

Successor trusteeThe person who takes over managing a trust when the first trustee dies or steps down.

They must act in the beneficiaries' interest and keep trust money separate from their own.

You'll see it: In the trust document.

Taxes

Final tax returnThe person's last personal income tax return, on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, covering income up to the date of death.

The personal representative usually files it, pays any tax owed and claims any refund.

You'll see it: In the tax season after the death.

Also called final Form 1040, decedent's final return.

Estate income tax return (Form 1041)A separate return for income the estate earns after the death, such as interest or rent.

It is required when the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year (IRS, 2026).

You'll see it: When estate accounts earn interest or estate property earns rent.

Also called Form 1041, fiduciary return.

EIN for an estateA tax ID number for the estate, issued by the IRS.

You need it before you file an estate income tax return.

You'll see it: When you file Form 1041 for the estate.

Also called estate tax ID number, employer identification number.

Estate taxA federal tax on the estate itself, paid before property passes on.

Most estates do not need to file. In 2026 a federal estate tax return is needed only when the estate is worth more than $15 million (IRS). Some states have their own.

You'll see it: Mostly in news coverage. Most families never file one.

Also called death tax, Form 706.

Inheritance taxA state tax on the person who receives an inheritance, not on the estate.

There is no federal one. As of 2025, five states have one: Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Close family is often exempt.

You'll see it: When an estate in one of those states is settled.

Benefits for survivors

Lump-sum death paymentA one-time Social Security payment of $255.

It goes to a surviving spouse who lived with the person, or else to a spouse or child who can get survivors benefits. You must apply within two years of the death.

You'll see it: When you report the death to Social Security.

Also called Social Security death benefit, $255 death benefit.

What happens to Social Security after a death

Survivors benefitsMonthly Social Security payments to the family of a worker who died, based on that worker's earnings.

A widow or widower, a surviving divorced spouse, children and dependent parents age 62 or older can qualify.

You'll see it: When you report the death to Social Security.

Also called widow's benefits, widower's benefits, child's benefits.

What happens to Social Security after a death

VA burial allowanceMoney from the VA toward burial and funeral costs for a Veteran who was not dishonorably discharged.

It applies, for example, when the death was service connected or the Veteran died while getting VA care. Family, the executor or a funeral home can apply.

You'll see it: When planning a Veteran's funeral.

Also called VA burial benefits.

Veteran burial benefits (VeteranFunerals)

Dependency and Indemnity CompensationA tax-free monthly VA payment to the surviving spouse, child or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or of a Veteran who died from a service-related illness or injury.

You'll see it: In VA letters to surviving family.

Also called DIC, D.I.C..

Care at the end of life

HospiceCare for comfort when a cure is no longer the goal, for someone a doctor believes has six months or less to live.

Treatment to cure the illness stops, but other care continues. It is usually given at home.

You'll see it: When a doctor suggests a referral to hospice.

Also called hospice care.

Signs that death is near

Palliative careCare that eases symptoms and improves quality of life for anyone with a serious illness.

It can start at diagnosis and can go on alongside treatment meant to cure. Hospice is one kind of palliative care.

You'll see it: In the hospital, or from a specialist team.

Comfort careCare near the end of life after treatment to cure or control the disease has stopped.

The goal is to control pain and other symptoms so the person is as comfortable as possible.

You'll see it: On a hospital chart or in a talk with the care team.

Also called end-of-life care, comfort measures only.

Advance directiveLegal papers that say what medical care a person wants if they cannot speak for themselves.

The two common ones are a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care.

You'll see it: When the person is admitted to a hospital, nursing home or hospice.

Also called living will.

Health care proxyThe person chosen to make medical decisions for someone who cannot make them.

Without one, state law decides who can decide, usually a spouse, parent or adult child.

You'll see it: When doctors ask who can make decisions.

Also called durable power of attorney for health care, health care agent, surrogate.

DNRA doctor's order in the medical chart that says not to try CPR or other life support if the person's heart or breathing stops.

An out-of-hospital DNR tells paramedics the same thing at home.

You'll see it: On the hospital chart, or posted at home for paramedics.

Also called do not resuscitate, DNAR, allow natural death (AND), no code.

POLSTA medical order form, usually for someone seriously ill or near the end of life, that tells emergency staff which treatments to give or not give.

It works alongside an advance directive. The name varies by state.

You'll see it: When someone is seriously ill or near the end of life.

Also called MOLST, POST, portable medical orders.

Actively dyingThe last days or hours of life.

Common signs are sleeping most of the time, not eating or drinking, cold or blotchy hands and feet, and irregular breathing. Not everyone shows every sign.

You'll see it: From a hospice nurse at the bedside.

Also called final days, final hours.

Signs that death is near

Terminal restlessnessConfusion, restlessness or agitation in the last days of life.

It is a form of delirium, which is common near death. Tell the care team, because there are treatments that can calm it.

You'll see it: From hospice staff, or when someone near death becomes agitated.

Also called terminal agitation, terminal delirium.

Cheyne-Stokes breathingA breathing pattern near death that cycles between deep, heavy breaths and shallow breaths or pauses with no breathing.

You'll see it: At the bedside in the last days or hours.

Signs that death is near

Death rattleA rattling or gurgling sound when saliva collects in the throat of someone too weak to clear it.

It is a sign death may come within hours or days. It does not seem to cause the person pain. Turning them onto their side often helps.

You'll see it: At the bedside in the last hours or days.

Also called terminal secretions, noisy breathing.

Signs that death is near

When the words turn into tasks

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