What to do when someone dies
What to do when someone dies
Losing someone you care about can be overwhelming
Alongside the emotional impact, there are practical things that need to be done, often at a time when it is hard to think clearly. This guide is here to walk you through the main steps, so you can take things one at a time, at your own pace.
The first things to take care of…
Confirming the death
If the death happens at home, a doctor or qualified medical professional will need to confirm it before anything else can happen.
This is usually arranged by calling the GP or, if it is outside normal hours, an out-of-hours service.
If the death occurs in hospital, a care home, or a hospice, the staff there will take care of this step for you and explain what happens next.
Registering the death
In England and Wales, once the registration office has received the completed paperwork from the Medical Examiner’s office, the death will need to be registered within five days, unless the Coroner is involved.
This is done at the local register office, and you can often book an appointment online or by phone. You will be asked for some basic information about the person who has died.
The registrar will then issue official documents, which you will need later, so it is worth keeping them safe.
Getting the right documents
After the death is registered, you will receive documents that allow you to move forward with practical matters.
These may be needed for things like arranging the funeral, contacting banks, or handling legal and financial affairs.
You do not need to use them all at once. Having them ready simply means you can take the next steps when you feel able.
When you feel ready to continue…
Arranging the funeral
There is no rush to arrange a funeral immediately, and there is no “right” way to do it. Some people find comfort in planning something personal straight away, while others need time.
You may want to check whether the person left any wishes in a will or separate notes. Funeral directors can guide you through options gently and clearly, and you are always allowed to ask questions or take time to decide.
Letting organisations know
Over time, you will need to inform certain organisations about the death.
This may include banks, utility providers, pension companies, and government departments.
Our stop mail service notifies several organisations at the same time to reduce the number of phone calls and letters you need to manage.
The will and legal matters
If there is a will, it usually names someone to deal with the estate, known as the executor. If there is no will, the law sets out who can take responsibility.
You may hear the word probate mentioned. Probate is the legal process that allows someone to deal with a person’s estate. Our step-by-step tool will help you to check if you need Probate and point you in the right direction.
What happens next
There is no checklist that perfectly fits every situation. Some steps may not apply to you at all, and others may take longer than expected. What matters most is that you move forward in a way that feels manageable for you.
Grief is not something to rush or manage neatly. You may feel fine one moment and overwhelmed the next. This is completely normal. Try to accept help when it is offered, whether that is emotional support or practical help with forms and phone calls.
When you are ready, information and support are available to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence and care.
You’re allowed to ask for help
If things feel confusing or too heavy, speaking to someone who understands the process can bring reassurance.
