What Happens to Your Publishing an Obituary Account When You Die
Quick Facts
When
First week after death
Cost
Usually included with funeral
Use
Submit URL to banks instead of cert
Step-by-Step Guide
Publish online as soon as possible
Use your funeral home or cremation provider — online obituary publication is usually included in their package at no extra cost. Legacy.com and local newspaper websites are common platforms.
Save the URL — you will use it repeatedly
Once published, copy the obituary URL and save it in a note. You will paste this URL into forms, emails, and account requests dozens of times over the coming months.
Submit to institutions before death certificates arrive
Certified death certificates can take 2-4 weeks to arrive by mail. The obituary URL gets the estate process started immediately at many institutions. Chase, Bank of America, and many credit card companies accept it.
No need to pay for newspaper unless desired
Online publication is what matters for estate administration. A print newspaper obituary is optional and can be expensive ($200-1000+). The online version does the same job for free.
Document Now Checklist
- Funeral home name and contact (they publish the obituary)
- Preferred obituary platform if any
- Key biographical details to include
- Note: order 10-12 certified death certificates from the funeral home
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Publishing an Obituary. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Social Security
Social Security must be notified of death immediately. Benefits paid after death must be returned. Survivor benefits may be available.
IRS / Tax Returns
A final individual tax return must be filed for the year of death. Estates over $13.61M may owe federal estate tax.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans are entitled to burial benefits, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate — all at no cost.
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