What to Do When a Loved One Dies

Losing someone close is a shock, and in the first minutes it is hard to know where to begin. The main rule: do not move the body yourself and do not try to arrange transport without a doctor. This violates sanitary regulations and can create additional stress and legal complications.

Call an ambulance or the district doctor to confirm the death — this is the mandatory first step. Wait for the medic to arrive, record the time of death, and obtain the medical death certificate. Without this document you cannot register the death at ZAGS (the civil registry office) or begin funeral arrangements.

After you receive the medical certificate, call a funeral agency. Adler Funeral Agency works around the clock in Adler, Sochi, Khosta, and across the Krasnodar region — an agent will explain next steps and arrange transport to the morgue.

It is better to tell relatives after official confirmation of death — when you already have the medical certificate. This reduces panic and rumors, and gives you a firm basis in the form of the doctor's document.

Ask trusted people to help with phone calls. At this moment it is important to preserve your strength and not make every decision alone: the choice of funeral format, cemetery, and date of farewell can be discussed with family and the funeral agent.

If relatives live in other cities, warn them about timelines: burial is usually held on the 2nd or 3rd day after death, and they may need time to travel.

When arranging funerals, consider the deceased's wishes, family traditions, and your budget. A funeral agent will draw up a plan: burial or cremation site, date and format of farewell, funeral supplies — coffin, clothing, wreaths, cross.

We coordinate every stage — from transport to the morgue to the cemetery ceremony. The family makes key decisions; the agent handles calls to ZAGS, the morgue, cemetery, and church. This removes organizational burden during mourning.

The initial phone consultation is free. We quote service costs before work begins and fix them in a contract — with no hidden fees.

For funerals you will need: a medical death certificate, the deceased's passport, an OMS health insurance policy (if available), a civil death certificate from ZAGS (Form No. 11), and a burial or cremation permit.

The agent will help compile the full package, apply for the burial benefit at SFR (the Social Fund of Russia) or through the employer, and obtain a burial permit at the chosen cemetery. If needed, the agent can act by power of attorney — you do not have to wait in queues yourself.

Processing times depend on the circumstances of death and how busy institutions are. We coordinate stages in parallel so no time is lost before the funeral.

Losing someone close is a serious test for mental health. Grief, confusion, guilt, or anger in the first days are normal reactions. Do not hesitate to contact a psychologist or therapist — professional support helps through the mourning period.

Relatives should share their feelings with each other and not demand that they "be strong." Delegating organizational tasks to an agent is not selfish — it is self-care.

If there are children in the family, explain what is happening in simple words and give them a chance to say goodbye in a way that feels right for you.

Do not touch or move the body yourself — this violates sanitary rules and may lead to administrative liability. Do not leave the body in a closed room for long without cooling: professional transport to the morgue is required.

Do not decide on burial, cremation, or ceremony format before consulting a funeral agent — they will explain realistic timelines, costs, and procedures in Adler and Sochi.

Do not agree to services from unknown "middlemen" at the morgue or hospital without checking the contract and price. Contact a trusted agency with transparent terms.

A memorial meal, the 9th and 40th days after death are important stages for many families in southern Russia. We advise on traditions, help organize a church memorial service (panikhida), and deliver wreaths to the cemetery.

Observing traditions is the family's choice. You may mark memorial dates quietly or skip public commemorations — we respect any decision.

Grave care, cross installation, and monument consultation are services you can order from us at any time after the funeral.

After the body is removed, professional disinfection of the room where the deceased was located is recommended. Decomposition begins within hours — this is a standard sanitary measure.

The agent will advise when and how to carry out treatment, and if needed recommend a specialized service in Adler or Sochi.

Disinfection is not about shame or guilt — it is care for the health of relatives who remain at home.