When Someone Dies

If someone close to you has died

You don't need to do everything today. These are the first things that matter:

1. The death is confirmed by a doctor or nurse. In hospital, staff will explain what happens next.
2. Contact a funeral director when you're ready. There's no rush, and you can compare more than one.
3. Register the death, usually within 5 days (8 in Scotland). The register office or hospital bereavement office will help you book.

Everything after that, from telling organisations to probate, can wait a few days. The guide takes you through it in order.

What the guide covers

When a loved one dies, grief arrives alongside a daunting list of practical tasks, and most of us have never been shown how to handle any of it. This guide takes you through the whole process, one manageable step at a time.

It answers the questions that matter:

• How do I register the death?
• What does the Tell Us Once service do?
• How much should a funeral cost?
• Do I need probate, and how do I apply for it?
• What are an executor's responsibilities?
• Will inheritance tax apply?
• What bereavement support and benefits can I claim?

Written for the UK, covering the NHS, GOV.UK, HMRC, probate and current rules and figures, in plain English and in the order you'll need it.

For funeral directors, hospices and bereavement offices

A free one-page "first steps" leaflet is available to print.

Download the free leafletPDF, A4

Funeral directors and hospices: email us for a personalised version with your name on it.

Bulk copies are available at a trade price for organisations that support bereaved families.

Bulk enquiries: [email protected]