Start with professional guidance
If someone is unresponsive and you are unsure what has happened, contact the local emergency service immediately and follow instructions. Do not determine death yourself. In a hospital or care facility, ask staff who explains the next steps and paperwork. For an expected death at home, follow the treating team’s plan and obtain confirmation about what to do next.
Check the procedure in the relevant country
Medical confirmation and civil registration are different steps. Ask the relevant civil registry which documents, deadlines and authorised applicants apply to the case. North Macedonia’s UVMK publishes its registration procedure. For a death abroad, also ask the consulate: Albania and Serbia publish specific procedures. Do not treat one country’s deadlines or forms as rules for the entire region.
Organise notifications without rushing
Make a list of relatives, institutions and providers to notify; note the date, contact and document requested. Before a funeral agreement, request an itemised written price and service list, respecting the person’s wishes and customs. Do not circulate personal documents in public groups or deal with an estate without appropriate legal advice. Let others help with meals, transport and rest as well as paperwork.
