For both online and newspaper obituary posts, you should try and publish within a week after the death of your loved one. If the obituary has funeral notifications such as the location and timing of the funeral, you should post at least three days prior to the funeral.

Is it necessary to publish an obituary?

Short answer. It is not a legal requirement to publish an obituary in a newspaper in order to announce a death. However, a death certificate must be filed with the state's office of vital statistics when someone dies.

What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary?

Death notice: a paid announcement in a newspaper that gives the name of the person who died and details of the funeral or memorial service, as well as where donations can be made. Obituary: an article written by the newspaper's staff offering a detailed biography of the person who died.