When someone close dies, the practical tasks can feel overwhelming at a painful time. Taking them in order and sharing them between family members makes them more manageable. This guide covers the main steps in general terms; it is not legal advice, and a solicitor or Citizens Advice can help with anything complex.
Step by step
Get the medical certificate and register the death
A doctor issues the medical certificate of cause of death, and the death must then be registered. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland this is normally within five days, and in Scotland within eight days, unless the death is referred to a coroner or procurator fiscal. The register office will explain what documents to bring.
Use Tell Us Once
In England, Scotland and Wales, the registrar will usually offer Tell Us Once, which lets you notify many government bodies, such as HMRC, the DWP, the DVLA and the Passport Office, in one go. Keep the reference number you are given.
Find the will and the executor
Look for a will among personal papers or ask the person's solicitor. The executor named in the will usually deals with the estate. If there is no will, the intestacy rules decide who can deal with it and who inherits.
Notify other organisations
Make a list of banks, pension providers, insurers, utilities, landlord or mortgage lender, phone and broadband providers, subscriptions and online accounts. Many banks have bereavement teams, and some services let you notify several banks at once. Record the date and reference for each contact.
Understand probate
Depending on the estate, the executor may need to apply for probate, or confirmation in Scotland, before accessing money or selling property. Rules and fees change, so check the guidance on GOV.UK or from the Scottish courts and get professional advice for anything complex.
Look after the household and yourselves
Redirect post if needed, secure the property, and arrange care for any pets. Share tasks between family members using a simple checklist. Grief support is available from organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Support, and your GP can help if you are struggling.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Medical certificate obtained
- Death registered
- Tell Us Once reference noted
- Will located and executor identified
- List of organisations to notify made
- Each contact logged with date and reference
- Probate or confirmation requirements checked
- Property, post and pets secured
Practical tips
- Order several certified copies of the death certificate, as many organisations need to see one.
- Keep one folder or notebook for everything, so tasks can be shared or handed over.
- Be alert to scams targeting bereaved families, and never pay unexpected demands without checking.
Common problems
The death has been referred to a coroner.
Registration is delayed until the coroner, or the procurator fiscal in Scotland, has finished their enquiries. The coroner's office will explain what happens next and how long it may take.
We cannot find a will.
Check with local solicitors, the person's bank and any will storage services. If there is no will, the intestacy rules apply, and Citizens Advice or a solicitor can explain what that means.
An organisation keeps writing to the person who died.
Write to them again enclosing a copy of the death certificate and asking for the record to be updated. Keep copies. The Bereavement Register and similar services can help reduce unwanted marketing post.