What to Do When Someone Dies in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

What to Do When Someone Dies in the UK: A Practical Guide

Losing someone dear is heartbreaking—and in the midst of grief, it can be difficult to know what needs to be done. From funeral arrangements to closing accounts and handling legal matters, the responsibilities can feel overwhelming. This step-by-step guide helps you understand what to do after someone dies in the UK.

Whether you're planning a funeral, settling an estate, or simply trying to figure out who to notify, this checklist will walk you through each essential task—with clarity, compassion, and practical guidance. Not everything needs to be done at once. Some steps are urgent; others can wait. Whenever possible, ask for support and delegate responsibilities to friends or family.

A well-made checklist:

Provides mental clarity
Brings structure to a chaotic time
Helps share and delegate responsibilities
Prevents delays or overlooked tasks
Offers peace of mind that everything is covered

Whether you're managing everything yourself or working with a funeral director, a reliable checklist ensures nothing important is missed—and gives you the space to honour the wishes of your loved one.

Bereavement Checklist – Step by Step

This bereavement checklist is divided into four key phases:

Immediately after the death (within the first 24 to 48 hours)
In the days leading up to the funeral (typically within a week of registering the death)
In the weeks after the funeral
In the months that follow (settling the estate)

Each phase is explained in detail below.

1. Immediately After the Death (Within 24 to 48 Hours)

This is a critical period in which a few urgent and legally necessary steps must be taken. While there’s no need to rush, it is important to address the essentials within the first day or two. The actions you take now lay the groundwork for the arrangements that follow.

These essential actions should be addressed as soon as possible.

1.1 ✔ Call a doctor

If the death occurs at home, a GP or on-call doctor must visit to confirm the death. In hospitals or care homes, staff will take care of this.

1.2 ✔ Obtain a medical certificate of cause of death

This certificate is issued by the attending doctor and is essential for registering the death. In England and Wales, more information is available via the GOV.UK MCCD guidance. In Scotland, the certificate must be independently reviewed by the Death Certification Review Service (NHS Scotland). In Northern Ireland, contact the General Register Office NI for official death registration procedures.

1.3 ✔ Check for funeral insurance

See if there is a funeral plan or insurance policy in place and keep the documentation handy.

1.4 ✔ Contact a funeral director (if desired)

You may choose to handle arrangements yourself or work with a funeral director who can help with planning, paperwork, and logistics.

1.5 ✔ Locate identification

Find the deceased’s passport, driving licence, or marriage certificate.

1.6 ✔ Check for any written wishes or a will

Look for a will, funeral plan, organ donor registration, or other instructions about burial or cremation. The UK has a National Will Register where wills may be listed.

1.7 ✔ Register the death

This must be done at the register office in the district where the person died. A funeral director often helps with this. You’ll receive a death certificate and burial or cremation authorisation. You must register the death within 5 days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or within 8 days in Scotland. Take the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) with you. You can request multiple copies of the death certificate for use with banks, insurers, and legal authorities. For Northern Ireland, see the General Register Office NI.

1.8 ✔ Inform close family and friends

Consider appointing one person to coordinate communications and field questions.

2. In the Days Leading Up to the Funeral

Once the death has been registered, the focus shifts to planning a funeral or memorial service. During this time, you’ll make important decisions that reflect the wishes of the deceased and the needs of those left behind. Practical matters like funeral logistics and personal tributes come into play.

In the UK, funerals typically take place within 7 to 10 days after death but can vary depending on family, religious, or logistical factors. Delays can occur if the coroner is involved (particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland), so allow flexibility where needed.

During this period, you’ll need to make several key decisions.

2.1 ✔ Choose the date and location

Coordinate with family and the funeral director to find a suitable time and venue.

2.2 ✔ Decide on viewing or visitation

Choose whether to have the deceased at home, in a funeral home, or private chapel of rest.

2.3 ✔ Plan the funeral

Key decisions include:

Burial or cremation?
Type of coffin?
Who will speak?
Music and readings
Order of service and printed materials
Flowers, transport, and catering

2.4 ✔ Send funeral invitations

Compile a list of invitees and arrange printing and distribution of funeral notices or invitations.

2.5 ✔ Collect personal items

Choose clothes for the deceased and gather photographs or items for the service or memory booklet.

2.6 ✔ Inform employers and relevant organisations

Notify the deceased’s employer and arrange time off for yourself or others if needed. Also inform housing associations or care providers.

2.7 ✔ Arrange care for pets

Make temporary or permanent arrangements for any pets left behind.

3. In the Weeks After the Funeral

After the funeral, many people begin to focus on settling administrative and legal affairs. These tasks can feel daunting, but they are necessary to bring closure and ensure everything is handled responsibly. Try to pace yourself and seek help where needed.

As emotions settle, practical and administrative matters come to the forefront.

3.1 ✔ Notify banks and financial institutions

Accounts may be frozen until probate is granted. You may need a grant of probate or letter of administration—your solicitor can assist. Apply online via GOV.UK Probate.

3.2 ✔ Review insurance policies

Cancel unnecessary policies (home, car, medical). Check if any life insurance payouts are due.

3.3 ✔ Handle housing matters

Contact the landlord or mortgage provider to transfer, sell, or terminate agreements.

3.4 ✔ Cancel subscriptions and memberships

This includes newspapers, magazines, gym memberships, and clubs. Most can be cancelled without penalty using a death certificate.

3.5 ✔ Inform government departments

The Tell Us Once service allows you to report a death to most government bodies (HMRC, DWP, DVLA, etc.), but this is not automatic—you must opt in or give the funeral director permission to do it on your behalf. It’s advisable to check that all relevant authorities are notified.

3.6 ✔ Manage digital legacy

Decide whether to delete, memorialise, or maintain social media profiles, email accounts, and cloud storage.

3.7 ✔ Begin the probate process

If there is a will, locate it and contact a solicitor to manage the estate. You may need to apply for probate via gov.uk.

3.8 ✔ Request legal documents

This includes a grant of probate or letters of administration, depending on the estate.

4. In the Months That Follow

As time passes, there are still important matters to resolve—especially when it comes to finalising the estate, handling taxes, and honouring a loved one’s legacy. This phase is less urgent but no less meaningful. It’s also a time to begin adjusting to a new reality and finding your own path forward.

Some responsibilities can wait—but are still important for closure and legal completion.

4.1 ✔ File final tax returns

Submit the deceased’s final income tax return and, if applicable, inheritance tax documentation. Inheritance Tax (IHT) may apply if the estate exceeds the threshold of £325,000 (or more if a transferable nil-rate band is available). HMRC must be informed even if no tax is due.

4.2 ✔ Accept or refuse inheritance

Beneficiaries can:

Accept the estate in full (including debts)
Accept under probate conditions (limited liability)
Refuse the inheritance altogether
Get legal advice before making any decisions

4.3 ✔ Distribute personal belongings

With the agreement of heirs, sort and distribute sentimental or valuable items like jewellery, furniture, and artwork.

4.4 ✔ Plan memorial events

Consider a memorial service, scattering ashes, or creating a lasting tribute such as a headstone or urn. In the UK, cremation ashes are typically available around 30 days after cremation.

4.5 ✔ Complete final administrative tasks

Keep a record of everything done and ensure no obligations remain.

Useful Tips for Preparing Your Own Bereavement Plan

Use a timeline: organise tasks by urgency (e.g., ‘within 24 hours’, ‘within a week’, etc.)
Use a digital document that you can share with family
Include space for emotional moments or symbolic gestures
Add contact details for solicitors, funeral directors, and service providers
Check whether the deceased left any preferences or instructions

Planning Ahead for the Inevitable: Your End-of-Life Checklist

Though difficult to think about, preparing a checklist before death occurs can provide immense relief to loved ones.

Many people now choose to prepare by:

Writing a will or advance directive
Documenting funeral preferences
Making a list of insurance policies, passwords, and subscriptions
Appointing someone to manage their affairs
Creating a ‘life file’ or legacy folder with essential documents

This is often referred to as a living will or advance care plan.

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Space

You can find more official guidance at:

Death brings not only a list of practical tasks—but also a wide range of emotions. You don’t have to do everything perfectly, or all at once. Be kind to yourself. Seek help from professionals such as a funeral director, solicitor, or bereavement counsellor. And most importantly: don’t be afraid to lean on others.

A good checklist is not just about administration—it’s a way to create space for reflection, connection, and healing.

You are not alone.

12/06/2025 | Categories: General