ClearHandover

Someone has died

Someone has died. We'll help you understand what happens next

Follow a clear step-by-step path through the practical tasks that can follow a death. See what needs attention now, what can wait, and where to find official guidance when you need it.

See the steps
Free step-by-step guide

The order things usually happen

  1. Someone has died
  2. Register the death
  3. Tell government & organisations
  4. Arrange immediate matters
  5. Understand the estate
  6. Probate if required
  7. Administer the estate

An overview of the usual sequence. Every estate is different — not all of them need probate.

The journey in detail

Each stage in plain English, with the paperwork and organisations you are likely to encounter.

  1. Step 1· First days

    Medical certification

    A doctor or the medical examiner service confirms the cause of death and issues the paperwork you need before registering.

  2. Step 2· Usually within 5 days

    Register the death

    Register with the register office for the area. You receive the death certificate and can order extra certified copies — most organisations ask for one.

  3. Step 3
    Government service

    Tell Us Once

    Where it is offered, one service tells most government departments at the same time — pensions, HMRC, council services and licences.

  4. Step 4

    Notify banks, pensions and other organisations

    Banks, insurers, pension providers, utilities, landlords and subscriptions each need to be told separately. Keeping a list saves repeating yourself.

  5. Step 5

    Funeral arrangements

    Check for any recorded wishes or a prepaid plan, then arrange the funeral and keep the invoices with the estate records.

  6. Step 6

    Locate the will

    Look for the most recent will, any codicils and where the original is held. If there is no will, the estate follows the intestacy rules.

  7. Step 7

    Identify the executors

    The will names who is responsible. Without a will, the rules set out who may apply to administer the estate.

  8. Step 8

    Value the estate

    List property, accounts, investments, possessions and debts at the date of death. This is the basis for everything that follows.

  9. Step 9
    Where relevant

    Inheritance tax considerations

    Work out what needs reporting and whether anything is payable, including lifetime gifts made before death.

  10. Step 10
    If required

    Probate if required

    Not every estate needs probate. Where it does, you apply for the grant that lets you deal with assets held in the person's name.

  11. Step 11

    Collect assets and pay liabilities

    Close accounts, sell or transfer assets, settle debts and expenses, and keep an estate account of everything in and out.

  12. Step 12

    Distribute the estate

    Pay the beneficiaries, prepare final estate accounts and keep the records safely once everything is complete.

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.

Dealing with the estate?

Keep assets, debts, valuations and beneficiaries organised in one estate record.

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