Death Checklist: What To Do When Someone Dies (UK)

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Immediately

The first hours and the first day.

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Get the death verified by a doctor or paramedicAt home, call the GP surgery or 111. In hospital or a care home, staff will arrange it.
Collect the medical certificate of cause of deathYou usually need this before you can register the death.
Check whether the death has been referred to a coronerIf it has, registering the death may take longer.
Tell close family and friends
Look for the will and any funeral wishesTry home paperwork, a solicitor, the bank, or a will storage service.
Identify the executor or the person dealing with the estate
Contact a funeral director (or decide to arrange it yourself)
Book an appointment to register the deathRegistration is normally required within a set number of days.
Arrange care for pets, plants and anything left unattendedOptional
Secure the home and any vehiclesLock up, redirect deliveries, check the heating.
Let their employer or school know, if relevantOptional

Registration, the funeral, and telling organisations.

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Register the death and buy certified copies of the certificateMost banks and providers want to see a certified copy.
Use Tell Us Once (or the equivalent) if it is offeredOne conversation can notify several government departments at the same time.
Confirm funeral arrangements, date and venue
Agree the funeral cost and who is paying
Notify banks and building societies
Notify pension providers and any annuity provider
Notify life, home, car and travel insurers
Notify the employer about final pay and death-in-service
Notify the council about council tax and benefits
Notify gas, electricity, water and broadband suppliers
Notify the landlord or mortgage lenderOptional
Deal with the driving licence and vehicle recordsOptional
Return or cancel the passportOptional
Place a death notice, if you want oneOptional

Working out the estate and whether probate is needed.

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Finishing the administration properly.

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A simple printable checklist covering the key tasks that may need dealing with after someone dies.

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