When someone dies, you’re suddenly faced with a wave of emotion and a long list of unfamiliar tasks. In the middle of shock and grief, it can be hard to know what to do first, and what can wait until later.
This guide breaks the list of tasks into five clear, easy-to-follow steps so you can move forward with one thing at a time, without feeling overwhelmed. It is also worth noting that many of the professionals you may encounter at this time such as the funeral director, the registrar, and medical staff – are inevitably well versed in the process, and in our experience, very helpful at directing you on to the right services and resources.
Why not bookmark this article and come back to it as often as you need, share it with family members, and, where possible, move at the pace that feels manageable for you.
1. Getting confirmation of the cause of death
One of the first practical steps is getting a death certificate, formally called a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This is the document that confirms why the person died and allows the death to be formally registered.
If your relative dies in a hospital or care home, the staff will normally arrange this for you. If the death happens at home, you will usually need to contact the person’s GP. If it happens outside normal hours, you can call NHS 111, who can arrange for an on-call doctor to attend.
Occasionally, if a doctor was not present when the person died or the cause of death is unclear, the case may be referred to the coroner. This can sound worrying, but it is a routine part of the process when more information is needed about how someone died. The coroner’s office will explain what happens next and guide you through any additional steps.
Since 2024, most deaths in England and Wales are also reviewed by an NHS medical examiner, a senior doctor who checks the cause of death independently. This is designed to help ensure the information recorded is accurate and to give families the opportunity to raise any questions they may have.
2. Register the death
Once you have the medical certificate, the next step is to register the death. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland this normally needs to be done within five days. In Scotland it’s within eight days.
To do this, you’ll need to make an appointment with the local register office for the area where the person died. The GP, hospital staff or funeral director will often be able to help you find the right registrar. You can also search online through GOV.UK.
Usually, the death is registered by a close relative. However, several other people are allowed to do this if needed. These include:
- A relative of the person who died
- Someone who was present at the death
- The person arranging the funeral
- An official from the hospital, care home or hospice where the death occurred
- The person responsible for the body, such as a funeral director
Often, many families choose the person who is organising the funeral or handling the arrangements to register the death. If you’re unsure who should do this, the registrar’s office can advise you.
Registering the death usually takes around 20–30 minutes, and can be in person, or certainly since covid over the phone. The registrar will ask for some basic information about the person who has died, such as their:
- Full name (and any previous names)
- Date and place of birth
- Last address
- Occupation
- Details of a spouse or civil partner (if applicable)
If possible, it’s helpful to have documents such as their birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, and NHS number. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything as the registrar will guide you before your appointment.
After the registration, you will receive several important documents. These normally include:
- The death certificate (you may want to buy several official copies as many organisations will ask for an original rather than a copy)
- A Certificate for Burial or Cremation, sometimes called the “green form”, which allows the funeral to go ahead
- A reference number for the government’s Tell Us Once service, which helps notify government departments about the death
The registrar will explain what each document is for and what to do next.
3. Arrange the funeral
Once the death has been registered, the funeral can usually go ahead. Most families work with a funeral director or undertaker, who will help organise the practical arrangements and guide you through the decisions that need to be made. Funeral directors and undertakers have a wealth of information regarding the whole process of death and will be sympathetic to your needs and wishes.
This might include choosing between burial or cremation, deciding what type of service you would like, and arranging the details of the ceremony. Many people also take this time to think about how they would like to remember and celebrate the person’s life.
Funeral directors deal with these arrangements every day and are used to supporting families during a difficult time. They can help explain the options available, manage the paperwork and coordinate with the cemetery, crematorium or place of worship.
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, but it can also be an opportunity for family and friends to come together, share memories and say goodbye in a way that feels personal to them and to you.
4. Tell the right people and organisations
In the weeks after someone dies, you’ll need to inform a number of organisations so that accounts can be closed or transferred.
This can feel like a lot to manage, but there are services that can make it easier.
The government’s Tell Us Once service allows you to report the death to several government departments in one step. This can include organisations such as HM Revenue & Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Passport Office and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. The registrar will give you the reference number you need to use the service.
You may also need to contact other organisations individually, such as banks, insurance companies, utility providers and subscription services. Many organisations these days have a “bereavement service” specifically to help close accounts etc after someone has died. Some families find it helpful to share these tasks with other relatives so that the workload doesn’t fall on one person.
There are also services such as Life Ledger, Settld, and the Death Notification Service, which can help notify multiple companies at once, reducing the amount of paperwork involved.
This stage can take time and it’s perfectly fine to deal with it gradually rather than trying to do everything at once.
5. Locate the will and deal with the estate
When someone dies, it’s important to find out whether they left a will. The will explains how they wanted their money, property and possessions, known as their estate, to be handled.
The will usually names one or two executors, who is the person/people responsible for managing the estate and carrying out the instructions in the will. If you are not the executor, it’s a good idea to contact them so they can begin the process.
In many cases, the executor will need to apply for probate, which is the legal authority to deal with someone’s estate after they die. This allows them to access bank accounts, sell property and distribute assets according to the will.
Probate isn’t always required. For example, it may not be needed if most assets were jointly owned with a spouse or partner and automatically passed to them.
If the person who died did not leave a will, the estate is dealt with under the legal rules of intestacy, and a similar legal process called “letters of administration” is used instead.
Sorting out someone’s estate can take time, so it’s usually best not to rush these big financial decisions until you feel you understand what is required.
Looking after yourself and your family
Alongside all the practical arrangements, it’s important to remember that grief affects everyone differently. There’s no right or wrong way to feel and no set timeline for how long it takes.
In the early days after a loss, it can help to lean on family, friends, or trusted support organisations. Talking to others who understand what you’re going through can make a difficult time feel a little less overwhelming.
If you feel you need extra support, our guide to bereavement support in the UK lists organisations that offer advice, counselling and practical help for people coping with loss.
FAQs on what to do when someone dies
How do I register a death in the UK?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you must usually register a death within five days (unless a coroner is involved). In Scotland it’s eight days. You’ll need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death issued by a doctor. Registration is done through your local register office. Official guidance is available via GOV.UK.
Who can register a death?
Typically, one of the following people can register the death:
- A close relative
- Someone present at the death
- The person arranging the funeral
- The executor named in the will
If the death occurred in a hospital or care home, staff may provide guidance on who should register it.
What documents do I need to register a death?
You’ll usually need:
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Full name, date and place of birth of the deceased
- NHS number (if available)
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- Details of occupation
The registrar will issue the death certificate and a Certificate for Burial or Cremation.
How soon can a funeral take place?
A funeral can usually take place once the death has been registered and the Certificate for Burial or Cremation has been issued. If a coroner is involved, there may be delays depending on whether a post-mortem or inquest is required. Most funerals in the UK take place within 1–3 weeks, depending on availability and family arrangements.
Do I need probate after someone dies?
You may need probate if the deceased person owned property, held significant savings in their sole name, or had investments that require legal authority to release. The executor (if there is a will) applies for a “Grant of Probate”. If there is no will, the closest relative applies for “Letters of Administration”. The legal process is explained by GOV.UK.
What happens if there is no will?
If someone dies without a valid will (known as dying “intestate”), their estate is distributed according to UK intestacy rules. These rules prioritise spouses, civil partners, and close relatives.
Is financial help available for funeral costs?
If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment through the Department for Work and Pensions. Some local councils also offer public health funerals if no one is able to arrange one.
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