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What to do when someone dies - checklist

To help you further, we've put together a checklist of the things you may need to do after someone has died.

What to do in the first 5 days

  • Notify the family doctor
  • Find the will - the solicitor of the person who’s died may have a copy if you can't find one
  • Begin funeral arrangements - you will need to check the will for any special requests

If there is a will

  • In England and Wales, contact the executor to enable them to start the process of obtaining probate

    In Scotland, apply for confirmation from the sheriff court. There is a simplified procedure for estates worth £36,000 or less in Scotland

If there is no will

  • In England or Wales, decide who will be dealing with the estate of the person who has died. Contact the Probate Registry to apply for letters of administration.

    In Scotland, apply to the sheriff court for confirmation. There is a strict order of preference of who can apply to the sheriff court for appointment as executor dative

Making a new will

  • Surviving relatives and friends of the person who’s died may need to make a new will

Who else to contact

  • Relatives and friends
  • Employer
  • School
  • Solicitor/accountant

Financial Organisations

  • General insurance companies - contents, car, travel, medical etc
  • Rental, hire purchase or loan agreements
  • If the person who’s died was named on an insurance policy, contact the provider to check that the insurance will continue
  • Pension providers/Life insurance companies
  • Banks and building societies
  • Mortgage provider
  • Credit card providers/store cards

Utilities and household contacts

  • Landlord or local authority for a rented a property
  • Any private organisation/agency providing home help
  • Utility companies
  • Royal Mail
  • TV/internet subscriptions

Other Considerations

  • Bereavement Register and Deceased Preference Service - this will remove the name of the person who’s died from mailing lists
  • Cancel memberships of clubs, trade unions, associations with seasonal membership
  • Inform church/regular place of worship
  • Dentist and other medical providers
  • Creditors
  • Debtors

Benefits and financial help