A timeline of things to do after death
When someone dies it can be overwhelming with all of the things that are needed to be done. This page and our Guided Process, can guide you through the key steps with the help and support you need.
When a loved one dies the first things you should do is call a Doctor.
The Doctor will issue the Medical Certificate of a Cause of Death.
Friends and Family can be contacted when you are ready although should be considered as a priority.
THEN:
You will need to appoint a Funeral Director to collect and take responsibility for the deceased.
Explore Funeral Directors here.
The death of a loved one needs to be registered in the Country of Death.
You will need certain documents for the deceased:
If death occurs abroad visit here.
Registration of Death should be free (depending on Country), although you will need to pay for the Death Certificate. In England, Wales & N. Ireland you have 5 days to register a Death, in Scotland you have 8 days to register.
You will need to start organising the Funeral Arrangements such as:
Whether you are organising yourself or have a Funeral Director to help.
Once a loved one dies, the process of estate management needs to be dealt with. The process is different depending on if there is a will or not.
If there is a will:
An Executor will deal with this.
If there isn’t a will:
A relative appointed administrator will manage this.
Follow our Guided Process for Information on what to do.
Financial Administration Guide.
Download the Process and Financial administration list of those to contact.
To access Financial help you can access different benefits or contact HMRC to help support and guide you.
