An 8-Step Guide on what to do when Somebody Dies – Practical Advice from Wrigley Claydon

We understand it can be a really difficult time when a loved one passes away,  however there are key things that must be done. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do when someone dies.

1. Register the death – a medical certificate will need to be provided at your local registry to register the death.
2. Check for a Will – The executors (if your loved one left a Will) or the next-of-kin (if not) should then arrange the funeral. Any funeral account that it not pre-paid can be paid from the deceased’s bank accounts.
3. Tell Us Once is a government service that allows you to report a death to all government bodies in one go.
4. House Insurance – If your loved one has left an empty house, make sure the house is secure and insured.
5. Financial Institutions – Register the death with all financial institutions i.e. banks and building societies. Do note most institutions will have different requirements to close accounts.
6. Apply for Probate (if necessary). Executors of the Will should apply. If your loved one died intestate, the Law of Intestacy governs who can apply.
7. Collect in all assets and pay any final bills or liabilities including selling any properties as necessary.
8. Distribute the Estate in accordance with the Will or the Law of Intestacy.

If you would like to discuss any of the above whether that be applying for Probate or drafting a Will, the team at Wrigley Claydon will be happy to help. Please call Rachel Damianou, Jyoti Patel, or Eleanor Heap on (0161) 624 6811 option 3.