Your Personal Checklist is Ready
Based on your answers, we have created a checklist to gently guide you through the next steps. Remember you can view the full checklist if you’d like to see everything we have to offer.
In which part of the UK did the person pass away?
- In England, you must register the death within 5 days at the local register office. You’ll receive a Green Form for funeral arrangements.
- In Wales, the process is the same as England — registration must happen within 5 days at the local register office. You’ll get a Green Form for the funeral director.
- In Scotland, you must register the death within 8 days. You can use any local registrar, and you'll receive Form 14 to give to the funeral director.
- In Northern Ireland, you must register the death within 5 days using the General Register Office (GRONI). You’ll receive Form GRO 21.
When did the person pass away?
- Thank you for letting us know. You’ll usually need to wait for a doctor or hospital to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death before registering. We’ll include this step in your checklist and guide you through it.
- Thank you for sharing. You're within the registration window - in most cases, deaths must be registered within {number_of_days_when_person_pass_away} days. We’ll guide you to the right office next.
- Thank you for letting us know. If more than {number_of_days_when_person_pass_away} days have passed, it’s best to contact the register office as soon as possible. Delays are sometimes permitted, especially if the death was referred to a coroner. We’ll help you find the right office.
- That’s completely okay — thank you for telling us. We’ll guide you through the next steps either way, and you’ll still need to register the death as soon as possible.
Where did the person die?
- In this case, a GP (if they saw the person recently) or an out-of-hours doctor will usually issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You'll need this to register the death.
- Hospital or hospice staff will typically handle the Medical Certificate and guide you to the register office. You can ask for help from the bereavement team.
- Unexpected or unexplained deaths are often referred to the coroner, who may order a post-mortem or inquest. Registration will usually happen after the coroner’s investigation.
- That’s okay. If you're unsure, we'll help you understand what documents you might need and who to contact.
Was the death expected by doctors or family?
- Thank you for letting us know. If the death was expected, a doctor will usually issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death directly — either from the hospital or the person’s GP. We’ll guide you to the next steps from here.
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⚠️ Thank you for sharing this. When a death is unexpected, it may need to be reported to the coroner. This can sometimes delay registration while the cause of death is confirmed. We’ll guide you through what this means.
What does the coroner do?
- Order a post-mortem (to understand the cause of death)
- Hold an inquest (a public court process, in some cases)
- Issue paperwork directly to the register office once complete
📌 You won’t be able to register the death until the coroner gives permission, but we’ll support you with the steps.
- That’s completely okay — thank you for letting us know. If you’re unsure, the doctor or hospital team will decide whether the death needs to be referred to a coroner. We’ll guide you through the right steps either way.
Has a doctor issued the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death?
- hank you — that’s helpful. You’ll need to bring this to the register office to register the death. It’s usually issued by a GP or hospital doctor. We’ll guide you to the next step.
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That’s okay — it can take a little time for a GP or hospital to issue the Medical Certificate. You’ll need to wait for it before you can register the death. We’ll guide you through what to do once it’s ready.
📌 You can’t register the death without it.
- No problem — it’s common for there to be a short delay while doctors or hospitals prepare the certificate. As soon as you receive it, you’ll be able to book an appointment at the register office. We’ll help you remember this step.
- That’s completely okay — this can be confusing. The certificate is usually issued by the GP or hospital where the person died. You can check directly with them, and we’ll guide you through what to expect either way.
Do you know if they left a valid will?
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If there’s a valid will, it should name one or more executors — these are the people responsible for handling the estate, including probate if needed.
🧭 We’ll include steps to help the executor carry out their role.
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If there’s no will, the estate is handled under intestacy rules. The next of kin will usually need to apply for ‘letters of administration’ to manage the estate.
ℹ️ In England & Wales, partners who weren’t married or in a civil partnership usually don’t automatically inherit if there’s no will.
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ℹ️ That’s okay. If you’re not sure, it’s important to try to locate a will soon — it could be with a solicitor, in a safe, or registered with a will service.
💡 Checklist step: Search for the will or contact solicitors who may hold one
Are you responsible for managing their affairs — either as the executor of the will or next of kin?
- Thank you. We’ll guide you through the steps you’re legally responsible for — including registering the death, planning the funeral, and managing the estate.
- That’s fine. We’ll still show you what’s involved, but you won’t be expected to complete the legal steps yourself.
- Great — we’ll show you the steps the responsible person needs to take, so you can assist them or explain what’s coming.
What do you need help with right now?
Registering the death
Registering the death
Planning the funeral
Planning the funeral
Understanding probate
Understanding probate
Notifying banks, utilities or services
Notifying banks, utilities or services
Finding or reading the will
Finding or reading the will
Managing their property or belongings
Managing their property or belongings
Dealing with digital accounts or passwords
Dealing with digital accounts or passwords
I’m not sure yet — show me everything
I’m not sure yet — show me everything 
Immediate
Legal
Duration: 1-2 hours
Call the GP if the death was expected, or 999 if sudden. Nothing else is urgent yet.
Need to know
- If at home & expected → call GP/out-of-hours.
- If in hospital/care home → staff will guide you.
- If unexpected → call 999; paramedics/coroner may be involved.
Once the death is confirmed, take a pause before moving on.
Duration: 1–2 days
Status: Immediate / Ready
A doctor or hospital will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. If the coroner is involved, this may take longer — that’s normal.
Need to know
Why this matters:
- You need this certificate before you can register the death.
Who issues it:
- GP (if death at home and expected).
- Hospital bereavement office (if death in hospital).
- Coroner (if cause of death uncertain).
What you’ll need:
- Basic details of the person (name, date of birth, address).
- NHS number if available.
What happens if the coroner is involved:
- There may be a delay before the certificate is issued.
- You’ll be informed when you can register the death.
It’s okay if this step takes time — the registration deadline pauses until you have the certificate.
You'll need to wait until doctor/ hospital issues Medical Certificate before you can register the death
That's okay. If you're unsure, a doctor or hospital team will decide if it needs to be referred to the coroner
Duration: 30–60 mins
You’ll need to register the death before you can get an official death certificate. This may feel daunting, but the registrar will guide you through step by step.
you will need to register in x days only after you receive the medical certificate 🔎 Need help?
Register the Death
Core info
- In England, Wales, Northern Ireland: within 5 days
- In Scotland: within 8 days
- The clock only starts once you have the Medical Certificate
- Appointment takes about 30–60 minutes
- Each certificate copy costs about £11
What you’ll need
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- The person’s full name, date of birth, and occupation
- Their last address
- NHS number (if available)
- Whether they received a state pension or benefits
Extra tips
- Ask for multiple certified copies — most families order 5–10.
- Each organisation (banks, insurance, pensions) may need an original.
- Take someone with you if you can — it helps to have support.
Helpful links
- Find your local register office: https://www.gov.uk/register-offices
You must register the death within x days. You'll need to receive a x form
Duration: 1-2 hours
Status: Immediate / Ready
Check the obvious places first. If you can’t find it right away, that’s okay — you can move forward and return to this later.
Need to know
Why this matters:
- The will usually names the executor and may include funeral wishes.
Where to check:
- Filing cabinet, safe, desk drawer.
- Solicitor’s office.
- With their bank (sometimes held securely).
- Official Will Registers (e.g. Certainty).
- Digital records (emails, password manager, cloud storage).
If no will is found:
- The estate will follow intestacy rules (next of kin applies for administration).
- You can still move ahead — the process is slightly different.
Finding the will can take time. Don’t worry if it isn’t clear at once.
Thank you. We'll guide you through the steps you're legally responsible for - including registering the death, planning the funeral and managing the estate
Duration: 1 hour
Status: Immediate / Ready
If there’s a will, the executor is named there. If not, the next of kin usually steps in — we’ll guide you either way.
Need to know
Why this matters:
- The executor or administrator is the person with legal authority to manage the estate.
If there is a will:
- The executor is named in the will.
- There may be more than one — they can act together.
If there isn’t a will (intestacy):
- The closest relative (spouse, civil partner, children) usually becomes the administrator.
- They apply for Letters of Administration instead of probate.
What if you don’t want the role:
- An executor can renounce their role or appoint a solicitor to act for them.
- You’re not trapped in the role if it feels overwhelming.
This step is about knowing who will take responsibility — not doing everything right away.
Funeral
Duration: 30 mins
Duration: 1-2 hours
Status: Immediate / Ready
Both are valid options — choose what feels right for your loved one and your family.
See our guide on Burial vs Cremation
🔎 Need help?More Information
Choose burial vs cremation
We know this can be a deeply personal and emotional choice. If you've made a decision, we’ll help you take the next steps. If not, we’ll walk you through your options with care.
💷 UK Funeral Arrangement Options:
| Option | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ⚱️ Cremation | £3,800 – £4,500 | Most common option in the UK |
| ⚰️ Burial | £4,800 – £6,500+ | Includes plot, service, burial fees |
| 🌿 Green Burial | £1,500 – £5,000+ | Eco-friendly and natural grounds |
| 🧬 Donation to science | Often no cost | Requires advance registration or local hospital inquiry |
💡 Some families choose “direct cremation” (no service) for simplicity or cost. These start around £1,000–£1,500.
There’s no right or wrong decision — only what feels meaningful to you and your loved ones.
Duration: 1–2 days
Status: Immediate / Ready
Funeral directors can handle many of the practical details, but you can also arrange a funeral without one if you prefer.
🔎 Need help?More Information
💡 You’re in control — choose the services that feel right. Some families prefer a simple ceremony, others want more help. There’s no one-size-fits-all.
If you decide to hire a funeral director, you can choose a funeral director who’s a member of:
Take your time — it’s okay to ask questions and compare options.
Admin
Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.
Link:
Tell Us Once
Duration: 30–60 mins
Status: Immediate / Ready
This service lets you notify most government departments in one go — saving you from repeating painful conversations.
🔎 Need help?📌 Tell Us Once — what it does
Core info
- Available in England, Wales, Scotland.
- Registrar gives you a unique code.
- Use it online or by phone.
- Not available in Northern Ireland (you must notify departments individually).
What you’ll need
- National Insurance number.
- Date of birth.
- Driving licence/passport details.
- Benefits/pension information.
Extra tips
- You can nominate someone else to do this if you don’t feel able.
- Saves you from multiple letters and calls.
Links:
- GOV.UK – Tell Us Once (https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/organisations-you-need-to-contact-and-tell-us-once)
- NI Direct – Who to tell
This step is designed to make things simpler.
Duration: 30 mins
Status: Immediate / Ready
Let their employer know gently — they’ll explain pay, pension, or life cover that may be due.
Need to know
Why this matters:
- Ensures final pay, pensions, or death-in-service benefits are handled.
How to do it:
- Call HR or manager.
- Provide a copy of the death certificate (usually required).
- Ask about final payslip, pension, or insurance policies.
Extra help:
- ACAS and Citizens Advice can support if issues arise.
Links:
This is often a short conversation — employers are used to handling this.
Short-term (Weeks 2-3)
Funeral
Most funeral venues get booked through the funeral director, but you can also contact places directly if you're organising things yourself.
Click here for more informationMore Information
Most funeral venues get booked through the funeral director, but you can also contact places directly if you're organising things yourself.
🕊️ How to Find a Funeral Venue Without a Funeral Director
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Crematoriums & Cemeteries (Local Authority-Run)
- Most local councils manage crematoriums and cemeteries.
- You can search “[Your Borough] crematorium” or “[Your Borough] cemetery services” online.
- Booking can usually be made directly through the council’s bereavement services team.
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Churches or Places of Worship
- Contact the church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or other religious venue directly.
- They can often help arrange the service or connect you with someone who can.
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Community Halls or Event Venues
- For non-traditional or celebration-of-life services, consider renting a hall or space that fits your needs.
- Websites like VenueScanner or Tagvenue can help.
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Natural Burial Grounds
- For eco-friendly services, you can search for natural burial sites on the Natural Death Centre website.
If you have selected a funeral director, they will likely handle this part of the process
If you have selected a funeral director, they will likely handle this part of the process
If you have selected a funeral director, they will likely handle this part of the process
If you have selected a funeral director, they will likely handle this part of the process
Probate
Probate is the official permission you may need to handle a loved one’s money, property, and possessions after they pass.
Need help determining if probate is required? Click our short questionnaire here for some guidance
Admin
Medium-term (Weeks 4-8)
Probate
Admin
Digital
Longer-term (Weeks 8+)
Probate
