What to do after a death in Nebraska

Quick facts

• Good to know: A funeral director must supervise all burials, including home burials.

• Tip: Order certified death certificate copies before handling estate matters.

Getting started in Nebraska

• Nebraska requires a licensed funeral director to supervise all burials and cremations.

• The Nebraska Board of Funeral Directing and Embalming regulates the profession.

• A death certificate must be filed within 5 business days of death.

Good to know: While Nebraska requires a funeral director, you can still be closely involved in caring for your loved one.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. The county attorney may need to be notified.

• The body must be embalmed, refrigerated, or placed in a sealed container within 24 hours.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will come to pronounce death and help with paperwork.

• Hospice can help coordinate with a funeral director.

• Take the time you need with your loved one.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death.

• If no attending physician, the funeral director must refer the case to the county attorney.

• Once cleared, the funeral director will guide you through next steps.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will help with immediate documentation.

• The attending physician has 24 hours to complete the medical section of the death certificate.

• You can spend time with your loved one before leaving.

Cremation in Nebraska

• Nebraska requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation.

• All cremations must be performed by a licensed crematory authority.

• A licensed funeral director must be involved in the process.

• The body must be preserved within 24 hours; refrigeration is allowed for up to 8 days.

• Embalming is only required if the body will be shipped out of state by common carrier.

Burial in Nebraska

• Home burial is allowed but must be supervised by a licensed funeral director.

• Check local zoning laws for restrictions on private property burials.

• There are no state-mandated distance requirements from water sources, but local rules may apply.

• Embalming isn’t required for burial if it occurs within the state.

• Contact a local funeral director who is willing to help with home burial arrangements.

Paperwork in Nebraska

• The death certificate must be filed within 5 business days of death.

• The attending physician has 24 hours to complete the cause of death section electronically.

• Certified copies cost $16 each.

• Plan to order 8–10 copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters.

• Allow 3–4 weeks for online orders; in-person service available in Lincoln.

Consumer rights in Nebraska

• You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making decisions.

• Nebraska funeral consumers are protected under the state Consumer Protection Act.

• File complaints with the Board of Funeral Directing and Embalming at (402) 925-5420.

• For preneed insurance matters, contact the Department of Insurance at (402) 471-2201.

• The Consumer Advocate for Cemeteries can be reached at (402) 451-1000.