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What to Do When Someone Dies: A Complete UK Guide
Losing someone is one of the hardest experiences any of us face and in the middle of the grief, there's a list of practical things that suddenly need doing — often by you, often for the first time, and often without anyone explaining how.
This guide is here to make that part easier. It walks you through everything that needs to happen when someone dies in the UK, in roughly the order you'll need it, with a calm overview of each step and a link to a more detailed guide whenever you want to go deeper.
You don't need to do everything at once. Take what you need, when you need it.
The very first steps
What you need to do in the first hours depends on where and how the person died.
If the death was expected — for example, following an illness at home or in a care home — contact the GP or the care team. If it happened at home unexpectedly, or was sudden, call 999. If the person was in a hospital or hospice, the staff there will guide you through the immediate steps and tell you what happens next.
Once the immediate situation is dealt with, a doctor will complete a medical certificate confirming the cause of death. This is reviewed by an independent Medical Examiner before the death can be registered. There's no need to rush the next steps — take a moment for yourself and your family first.
If the death was sudden, unexpected, or is being looked into, you can read more in our guide on sudden death and the coroner's process.
Registering the death
By law, a death in England and Wales must be registered within five days (eight days in Scotland). You do this at the register office for the area where the person died, usually by booking an appointment.
The registrar will record the details, and you'll be given the documents you need to move forward — including certified copies of the death certificate (you'll want several) and the "green form" that allows the funeral to go ahead.
Our complete guide explains how to register a death, including who can do it, what to bring, how much certificates cost, and what to expect at the appointment.
Arranging the funeral
There's no fixed timescale for arranging a funeral, and no single right way to do it. Some families want to use a funeral director to handle everything; others choose a simpler or more personal approach.
A funeral director can guide you through your options, from traditional burials and cremations to direct cremation. It's worth knowing that costs vary widely, and you're entitled to compare and choose what feels right for you.
Our guide covers how to arrange a funeral, what funeral directors do, typical costs, and the questions worth asking.
Sorting out money, property and belongings
When someone dies, their home, savings, possessions, and any debts become what's known as their "estate." Dealing with the estate is often the largest practical task, and it usually unfolds over months rather than days — so there's no need to tackle it immediately.
A few things may need attention sooner rather than later, though. If the person lived alone, their property may now be empty — and most standard home insurance policies stop covering a house within around 30 days of it becoming unoccupied. You may also want to make sure the property is secure.
Our guide on property and belongings explains how to protect an empty home, arrange the right insurance, and approach house clearance when you're ready.
Understanding probate
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone's estate — proving their will (if there is one), settling any debts and taxes, and distributing what's left to the people who should receive it.
Not every estate needs probate. Whether it's required usually depends on the value of the estate and what the person owned. If it is needed, the person responsible applies for a legal document — a Grant of Probate if there's a will, or Letters of Administration if there isn't.
Our guide explains what probate is and how to apply, including current fees, how long it takes, and when you might want a solicitor's help.
What happens if there's a will — or Not
If the person left a valid will, it names one or more "executors" who are responsible for carrying out their wishes. If you've been named as an executor and aren't sure what that involves, you're far from alone — most people take on the role only once or twice in a lifetime.
If there's no will, a set of legal rules called the rules of intestacy decides who inherits. These rules can surprise families — for example, an unmarried partner has no automatic right to inherit, regardless of how long the relationship lasted.
Read more in our guides on what an executor has to do and what happens if someone dies without a will.
Telling the right people and organisations
There's a surprising number of organisations that need to be told when someone dies — government departments, banks, pension providers, utility companies, and more.
The good news is that the free government service Tell Us Once lets you notify most government departments — including HMRC, the DWP, the Passport Office, and the local council — in a single step. For banks and other private companies, you'll usually need to contact each one, though there are services that can make this easier.
Our guide covers who to notify when someone dies, including how to use Tell Us Once, how to notify HMRC, and how to cancel direct debits and subscriptions.
Looking after yourself
Amid all the practical tasks, it's easy to forget that you're grieving. There's no right or wrong way to feel, and no timetable for working through a loss.
Support is available whenever you need it — from bereavement charities, your GP, and people around you. You may also be entitled to financial support, such as Bereavement Support Payment, depending on your circumstances.
Our guide to bereavement support covers where to find help, what an inquest involves if the death has been referred to a coroner, and the benefits you may be able to claim.
A simpler way through all of this
Reading a guide is one thing. Knowing what you specifically need to do, in your situation, is another.
That's exactly what First48hrs is for. Answer a few simple questions about your circumstances and we'll create a personalised, step-by-step plan for your first 48 hours — covering only what applies to you, in the right order, in plain language. It takes about a minute, and it's completely free.
You don't have to hold all of this in your head. Let us guide you.
Get you free guide here.
This guide was last updated in July 2026. Processes and figures are set by government and can change — for the latest official guidance, see GOV.UK. First48hrs provides information and signposting, not legal or financial advice.
Need more hands-on help? Our Concierge service can support you directly
What to Do When Someone Dies - FAQ's
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