🌱 At a glance: the first 72 hours
Understanding what to do when someone dies can be overwhelming, especially in your first moments of grief. In the UK, there are only a few urgent steps you need to take. Everything else can wait until you feel ready.
First things to do:
- Confirm the death
- Get the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Register the death (within 5–8 days depending on location)
- Secure the home and important belongings
- Begin gentle funeral planning
- Tell the right people (family, employer, and government via Tell Us Once)
1. How do I confirm the death?
- If expected at home: call the GP or out-of-hours doctor.
- If in hospital or a care home: staff will handle this for you.
- If sudden or unexpected: call 999. Police and the coroner may be involved.
đź’ˇ You are not expected to know all the answers. Professionals will guide you.
2. What is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death?
A doctor (or the coroner if required) issues the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You must have this certificate before you can register the death.
3. How quickly must I register a death in the UK?
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland: within 5 days
- Scotland: within 8 days
- The clock starts once you have the Medical Certificate.
You’ll receive an official death certificate, which you’ll need for banks, property, and probate. Most families order 5–10 certified copies (about £11 each).
💡 Registrars are supportive. Appointments usually take 30–60 minutes. You can bring someone with you.
4. How do I secure the home and belongings?
If your loved one lived alone, it helps to:
- Ensure the home, pets, and valuables are safe.
- Redirect post if needed.
- Gather important documents (ID, will, bank statements, property deeds).
5. What should I do about the funeral?
Look for any written wishes in:
Having knowledge of what to do when someone dies UK can save you from unnecessary stress during a difficult time.
- A will
- A prepaid funeral plan
- Letters or notes
If no wishes are found, the immediate family usually decides together. A funeral director can help manage arrangements, but using one is optional.
6. Who should I tell after a death?
- Tell Us Once service (England, Wales, Scotland) allows you to notify most government departments in one go.
- In Northern Ireland, you must contact each department separately.
- Also let close family, friends, and (if relevant) the person’s employer know.
đź’ˇ Gentle reminder
The only urgent steps are confirming the death, getting the medical certificate, and registering the death. Everything else — funeral planning, probate, paperwork — can wait until you’re ready.
One step at a time is enough.