Someone has died
Someone has died. We'll help you understand what happens next
Work through the practical tasks that can follow a death, one step at a time. See what needs attention now, what can wait, and where to find official guidance when you need it.
The journey, step by step
Eleven stages in plain English, with the paperwork, organisations and official guidance you're likely to encounter. Not every estate needs every step.
Someone has died: immediate first steps
What this means
In the first hours, the priority is getting the death confirmed and knowing who to contact — everything else can wait.
What you may need
- Confirmation of death from a doctor, hospital or paramedic
- Details of any hospice, care home or GP involved
- Contact details for close family and the next of kin
What to do
- 1.If the death was expected, contact the GP or hospice; if unexpected or at home, call 111 or the emergency services as advised.
- 2.Let close family and friends know before anything else.
- 3.There is no need to make any decisions or contact organisations immediately.
Official guidance
What this means
In the first hours, the priority is getting the death confirmed and knowing who to contact — everything else can wait.
What you may need
- Confirmation of death from a doctor, hospital or paramedic
- Details of any hospice, care home or GP involved
- Contact details for close family and the next of kin
What to do
- 1.If the death was expected, contact the GP or hospice; if unexpected or at home, call 111 or the emergency services as advised.
- 2.Let close family and friends know before anything else.
- 3.There is no need to make any decisions or contact organisations immediately.
Official guidance
Useful to have to hand
- Certified copies of the death certificate
- The will and any codicils
- Recent bank and pension statements
- Property and insurance paperwork
- A list of organisations to notify
ClearHandover helps you organise your information and understand the steps involved. It does not provide legal, tax or financial advice.
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