What to do after a death in the UK

This guide gives you a calm order for the practical admin that can follow a death: confirming what has happened, registering the death, notifying organisations, dealing with bills and checking whether probate may apply.

1. The first days

If the death happened in hospital, the bereavement office or ward staff will explain the next administrative steps. If the death happened at home and was expected, contact the GP or relevant medical professional. If it was unexpected or the cause is unclear, call emergency services; the coroner may need to be involved before registration can happen.

Early practical tasks usually include letting close family know, locating any will or funeral wishes, checking whether there is a prepaid funeral plan, securing the property if it is empty, and keeping a simple record of calls and documents.

2. Registering the death

Registration is a legal step and is usually handled through the register office for the area where the death occurred. GOV.UK provides a service to find the correct registration route and local register office.

You may need information such as the person's full name, date and place of birth, last address, occupation, marital or civil partnership status, and details of a surviving spouse or civil partner. After registration, you can usually purchase certified death certificates. Several copies are often useful because banks, insurers and pension providers may each ask for one.

3. Using Tell Us Once

Tell Us Once is a government service that can report a death to many government organisations in one go. A registrar will usually explain the service and provide a reference number if it is available.

One important detail: GOV.UK says Tell Us Once can be used if the person who died was living in England, Scotland or Wales. It cannot be used if the person was living in Northern Ireland when they died; Northern Ireland has separate guidance through nidirect.

4. Banks, bills and other organisations

Tell Us Once does not contact private organisations. You may still need to contact banks, mortgage providers, insurers, private pension schemes, employers, utility companies, landlords, subscription services and professional memberships.

• Ask banks and building societies what they need before sending documents.
• Take meter readings if a property is empty or accounts need closing.
• Check recent bank statements for direct debits and subscriptions.
• Keep notes of call dates, reference numbers and next actions.

5. Probate basics

Probate is the legal authority to deal with someone's estate. It is not always needed. It is more likely to be required where the person owned property in their sole name, had larger financial accounts, or held investments. Joint assets, small estates and assets held in trust may be different.

Before applying, identify whether there is a will, who the executor or administrator is, what assets and debts exist, and whether inheritance tax reporting is needed. GOV.UK has step-by-step probate guidance and should be checked before acting.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: What to do when someone dies
• GOV.UK: Register a death
• GOV.UK: Tell Us Once
• GOV.UK: Applying for probate