What to do when someone dies

Circumstances of death.

What happens when someone dies depends on the circumstances of their death.  

• Where did they die?
• Was the death expected or unexpected?

The death must be registered within five days, but who is involved and what paperwork is needed depends on these questions.

If the death was expected.

Verification of death

Carried out by a healthcare professional, who will complete a clinical ‘Confirmation of Fact of Death’ form and leave with the deceased.

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death issued

Once verified, a doctor completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), required to formally register the death.

Medical examiner review

An independent medical examiner reviews and confirms the cause of death and speak with relatives to answer questions or concerns.

Registrar informed

Once the Medical Examiner has confirmed the MCCD, the registrar is informed automatically and you have five days to register the death.

If the death was unexpected.

Verification of death

Carried out by a healthcare professional, who will complete a clinical ‘Confirmation of Fact of Death’ form and leave with the deceased.

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death issued

Once verified, a doctor completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), required to formally register the death.

Medical examiner review

An independent medical examiner reviews and confirms the cause of death and speak with relatives to answer questions or concerns.

Registrar informed

Once the Medical Examiner has confirmed the MCCD, the registrar is informed automatically and you have five days to register the death.

Step 2

Notify the family

This includes time-sensitive obligations that are required before anything else can proceed.

The death must be registered within five days of the death.

Step 3

Secure the property

Make it safe.

Get a locksmith.

Step 1

Book an appointment at the local registrar

The death must be registered within five days of the death.

The registrar will have received the MCCD from the relevant medical practitioner, or

Step 2

Notify the Tell Us Once service

You can do this here

Government Tell Us Once service

Step 3

You will need the death certificate from the registrar to carry out the following important tasks.

Notify banks

Notify each bank of the death. They will freeze accounts and can pay the funeral director directly.

Notify pension providers

State penisons are held with the Department of Work and Pensions. They will be covered by the Tell Us Once service. Or you can call 0800 731 0469.

Private pension providers will need contacting seperately.

Notify Life Insurance companies

Notify to claim death benefits and stop premiums. Each provider will need a death certificate.

Home and contents insurer

Notify of the death and confirm ongoing cover, especially if the property is now unoccupied.

Step 1

Check for a pre-paid funeral plan

It is important to check for a pre=paid funeral plan before appointing a funeral director, because you could risk losing the full cost of the funeral.

Step 2

Appoint a funeral director

The funeral director will arrange collection.

Executor is legally responsible. Get Coroner clearance first if the death was referred.

Notify the care home

If death occurred in a care home, liaise promptly — fees continue until the person and belongings are removed.

Step 3

Arrange the funeral

The funeral director coordinates the service, liaises with the crematorium or cemetery, and handles the paperwork.

Choose a Crematorium or Cemetery

Establish their wishes and book the appropriate location.

Book other services for the funeral

You may want to consider any of the following:

• Funeral celebrant
• Florist
• Wake venue and caterers
• Grave tending service

Step 1

Find the will and locate the executor

Short sentence on this. This could be with their solicitor, or HM Probate registry, or NWR.

Notify HMRC

Submit the final tax return and notify of the death. 0300 200 3300. IHT must be paid before probate is granted.

Step 2

Apply for Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration)

Needed in most cases to release and distribute assets. Not always required for small estates.

Appoint professional service providers

You may or may not need professional help with probate and admistration.

In many cases you can save money by carrying out tasks yourself, ir hiring the best value practitioners.

We can help [link to broker page]

Step 3

Administer and distribute the estate

Collect all assets, settle debts, then distribute to beneficiaries named in the will.

This is the responsibility of the executer.

The vast majority of estates are distributed smoothly and without problems, although it is not uncommon for disputes over inheritance to arise.

Depending on your circumstances, you may require professional legal services to resolve any disputes that arise between beneficiaries and/or the executors.

Step 1

Get a probate valuation of any property

Required for Inheritance Tax purposes. Must be completed before probate is granted.

You may require a professional sureveyor.

Step 2

Clear the property

If required.

You may want to hire a house clearance specialist.

You may require an auctioneer to sell possessions.

Step 3

Sell the property

Property cannot normally be sold until probate is granted, but marketing can begin earlier.

You will need an estate agent.

Step 1

Redirect mail

Stop unwanted mail

Contact Royal Mail, set up redirect.

Step 2

Cancel subscriptions

Close all accounts, subscriptions and memberships

Step 3

Close online accounts

You can use digital estate services to close all online social media or email accounts.

You might need password recovery.