What to do when someone close to you dies

It is normal not to think clearly in the first hours. Only a few things matter now. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.

• Call the doctor, or 999 if the death was unexpectedIf someone dies at home, a doctor or paramedic needs to confirm the death. In a hospital, hospice or care home, the staff will do this.
• If the death was sudden, it may be reported to the coronerThis is a routine step when the cause is not known and does not mean anything is wrong. It can delay registration by a few days.
• Ask about the medical certificateThe doctor completes the medical certificate of cause of death. It is usually sent to the register office for you, and the hospital or surgery will tell you when.
• Gather the important papersBirth and marriage certificates, NHS number, passport or driving licence, and the will if there is one. You will need some of them to register.
• Call a funeral directorAt any hour. We come to bring the person into our care and explain what happens next.
• Tell the people closest to youYou do not have to make every call yourself. Ask one or two people to help you share the news.

Good to knowDo not feel rushed into choosing a funeral director. You can ask for prices in advance and have everything in writing.

Now come the decisions about the funeral. Take them together with your family, and ask us anything.

• Book an appointment to register the deathIn England and Wales this is usually within five days, at the register office. You will receive the death certificate and the green form.
• Choose burial or cremationIf the person left wishes, follow them. If not, decide together with those closest to you.
• Set a date, time and placeWe check availability with the crematorium, cemetery or church and suggest times that suit.
• Decide on the kind of ceremonyReligious, led by a celebrant, or small and private. Each of them is fitting.
• Choose clothing and a photographClothes in which they felt like themselves, and a photograph for the notice and order of service.
• Ask your employer about bereavement leaveMany employers offer paid compassionate leave. Your manager or HR team can tell you what applies.

Briefly and without legal language: what each document is, who issues it, and what you will need it for.

• Medical

  Medical certificate of cause of death

  Completed by the doctor and reviewed by a medical examiner. The registrar uses it to record the death.

  Needed for

  Registering the death

• Official

  Death certificate

  A certified copy of the register entry. Order several at registration: copies ordered later usually cost more.

  Needed for

  Banks, pensions, insurers, the estate

• For the funeral

  Certificate for burial or cremation

  The green form. Please pass it to us as soon as you have it, as the funeral cannot go ahead without it.

  Needed for

  The funeral itself

• The estate

  Probate or letters of administration

  The legal right to deal with the estate. Probate when there is a will, letters of administration when there is not.

  Needed for

  Property and larger accounts

What to prepare

• Order enough certified copies of the death certificateCount the banks, pension providers and insurers you will need to contact.
• Use Tell Us Once, if offeredThe registrar gives you a reference to inform several government departments at once.
• Find the will and the executorLook among papers at home, or ask the solicitor or bank that may hold it.
• Check whether probate is neededIt depends on the estate. Banks will tell you their limit, and a solicitor can advise.

ImportantThis is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and outside the UK. For questions about the estate, speak to a solicitor.

None of this is urgent. Take it slowly, one thing a day, if that feels easier.

• Contact the banks and building societiesAccounts in the person's sole name are frozen. Each bank has its own bereavement team that will guide you.
• Transfer or close utilities and council taxGas, electricity, water, phone and broadband. A death certificate is usually enough.
• Check pensions and benefitsWorkplace and private pensions may pay a lump sum or a pension to a partner. Ask each provider.
• Close subscriptions and online accountsMagazines, streaming, social media. Some networks let a profile stay as a memorial.
• Think about remembering themA headstone, a tree or bench, an anniversary notice. There is no deadline, and we are happy to help.
• Look after yourselfGrief has no timetable. If it feels heavy, talk to someone close, your GP or a bereavement charity.