Here is a UK-specific checklist of what you will need to get done on the administrative side following someone’s death:

1. Immediate steps (first 24–48 hours)

1.1 Get a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD)

This is essential before anything else can happen.

• If death occurs in hospital:
  The hospital doctor issues the MCCD and explains next steps.

• If death occurs at home:

  • Call the person’s GP or NHS 111

  • If death was unexpected → call 999 (this does not automatically mean wrongdoing)

• If the death is sudden, unexplained, or accidental, it may be referred to the coroner, which can delay paperwork.

You cannot register the death without this certificate.

1.2 Choose a funeral director (optional but common)

You can:

• Contact a funeral director immediately, or

• Wait until after registration (there is no legal rush)

Funeral directors can:

• Collect the body

• Store it respectfully

• Guide you through paperwork (but they are not legally required)

You are not legally obliged to use one, but most people do.

2. Registering the death (within 5 days in England & Wales)

2.1 Register the death

This is a legal requirement.

• Must be done within 5 days (unless coroner involvement delays this)

• Register at:

  • The register office in the area where the person died

• You can usually:

  • Book online

  • Attend in person (sometimes by phone)

Who can register?

• A relative

• Someone present at the death

• The person arranging the funeral

• An official from the hospital or care home

2.2 What you’ll need

Bring (if available):

• Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

• NHS number

• Passport

• Birth certificate

• Proof of address

• Marriage / civil partnership certificate

• Name and address of the deceased’s GP

You won’t be penalised if you don’t have everything.

2.3 What you’ll receive

The registrar will issue:

1. Death Certificate

   It’s best to get several certified copies → Needed for banks, pensions, insurance, probate, etc.

2. Certificate for Burial or Cremation (sent directly to funeral director)

3. Tell Us Once reference number
   → This is crucial and saves huge admin later

3. Use “Tell Us Once” (high priority)

The UK government offer a service which notifies multiple departments at once.

It informs:

• HMRC

• DWP (State Pension, benefits)

• Passport Office

• DVLA

• Local council (council tax, Blue Badge, electoral register)

You can use it:

• Online

• By phone

You’ll need:

• National Insurance number

• Date of birth

• Driving licence / passport number (if applicable)

This step alone can remove weeks of admin.

Find out more here: What to do after someone dies: Tell Us Once - GOV.UK

4. Funeral arrangements (days 3–10 typically)

4.1 Check if wishes were left

Look for:

• A will

• Funeral plan

• Written wishes

• Pre-paid funeral arrangements

The executor does not have to be in place yet to arrange a funeral.

4.2 Paying for the funeral

Funeral costs can usually be paid from:

• The deceased’s bank account (banks often release funds directly)

• A pre-paid funeral plan

• Certain benefits (e.g. Funeral Expenses Payment)

You are not personally liable unless you sign to accept responsibility.

5. Legal and financial admin (weeks 1–8)

5.1 Locate the will

• Check:

  • Home

  • Solicitor

  • Bank

  • Probate registry

If there is no will, the estate follows intestacy rules.

5.2 Apply for probate (if needed)

Probate is required if:

• There is property

• Large sums of money

• Investments

Who applies:

• Executor (if will exists)

• Administrator (if no will)

This can be done:

• Online

• Via a solicitor (optional)

5.3 Notify organisations

Typical list:

• Banks & building societies

• Mortgage provider / landlord

• Utility companies (gas, electricity, water)

• Pension providers

• Insurance (life, home, car)

• Credit cards & loans

• Employer

• Subscription services (Phone company, car lease, memberships)

Death certificates are usually required.

6. Ongoing responsibilities

6.1 Manage the estate

• Close accounts

• Pay debts

• Distribute assets

• Keep records (executors can be personally liable for mistakes)

6.2 Emotional and practical support

• Cruse Bereavement Support

• GP support

• Employer bereavement leave

• School or childcare notifications

7. Common things people don’t realise

• You don’t need to accept executor duties if named

• You are not responsible for debts unless jointly held (eg. you are married)

• You can ask organisations to communicate in writing only

• You can pause or delay non-urgent admin

• Grief affects cognition — repetition and reminders help. Try to take a notepad and pen with you and make notes for yourself as you won’t be performing at your normal level.