Practical services for when they are needed most
If you need guidance and assistance in managing the essential next steps following a bereavement, we are here to help.
Practical support when it is needed most
If you need guidance and assistance in managing the essential tasks following a bereavement, we are here to help.
For free, specialist advice call our helpline.
From dealing with the deceased’s estate to handling legal matters, our bereavement advisors are ready to listen, answer your questions, and offer help with any issues you may be facing.
Dealing with loss can be devastating, and thinking about the practicalities often makes it even more stressful.
During this time, families are suddenly faced with unfamiliar tasks, paperwork, and decisions that can feel overwhelming and hard to prioritise.
We offer clear, compassionate guidance and free advice, helping families understand what needs to be done, what can wait, and where to start.
By explaining things in plain language and without pressure, we aim to ease uncertainty and provide practical support when it is needed most.
Services
Probate
Supporting families by taking care of the legal details, easing the burden during a difficult time, and making sure everything is handled respectfully.
Stop Mail
Reducing unwanted mail for the deceased by notifying mailing lists and organisations, giving families one less thing to worry about.
BEREAVEMENT ADVICE
What to do when someone dies
Probate and legal procedures
It can feel overwhelming, but understanding it helps.
Registering a death
Who to inform to make sure everything is handled properly.
Coping with grief
Adjusting to life without the deceased takes time.
USEFUL LINKS
What do I need to do first to start making arrangements after a death?
To begin making arrangements, the death must be confirmed by a medical professional. If the person died in hospital or a care setting, staff will normally arrange this. If the death occurred at home, a GP or NHS service will need to be contacted.
Once the death is confirmed and the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued, you can contact a funeral director and make an appointment to register the death.
How do I register a death and what documents will I need?
A death must be registered at a local register office, usually in the area where the death occurred. You will need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and personal details about the person who has died, such as their full name, date of birth, and address.
After registration, you will receive documents needed to arrange the funeral and to deal with legal and financial matters.
Do I need to arrange the funeral before registering the death?
You can contact a funeral director before registering the death, but the funeral cannot usually take place until the death has been registered. The registrar will issue a certificate or reference that allows burial or cremation to proceed, this is known as a ‘Green Form’.
Funeral directors can help plan arrangements in advance and will work with you to schedule the funeral once the necessary paperwork has been completed.
Who is responsible for arranging and paying for the funeral?
The person who arranges the funeral is normally responsible for paying for it. Funeral costs are usually paid from the estate of the person who has died, but this can take time. If there is not enough money available immediately, you may need to discuss payment options with the funeral director.
Financial help may be available if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.
How do I inform government departments and organisations about the death?
After registering the death, you can usually use the Tell Us Once service to notify several government departments at the same time, including the Department for Work and Pensions and the local council.
You will be given a reference number by the registrar. Other organisations, such as banks, insurers, and utility providers, will need to be contacted separately.
Do I need probate before I can make arrangements?
Probate is not usually needed to arrange a funeral. Most funeral directors will proceed once the death has been registered.
Probate may be required later to deal with the estate, depending on its size and complexity. If there is a will, the executor is responsible for applying for probate. If there is no will, the next of kin may need to apply.
If you have questions, we have answers
Speak with our bereavement advisors for clear, free of charge guidance and compassionate support every step of the way.