What happens after someone passes

The first thing to do is register the death, this needs to be done within 5 days of death.

You will be issued a Death certificate; this allows the funeral directors to act.

You will be asked about extra copies, buy a few as they come in handy. They are around £11 each. Keep receipts for anything you purchase, as the executor will need these for any reimbursements or keeping records.

Use the "Tell us once" service to inform the government departments of their death. This will produce a code you can use online and will save time.

You can then inform any other financial institutions - Please be aware they may only release money once a Grant of Probate has been obtained. When you inform financial institution of death this could put a freeze on any accounts help until a Grant of Probate is received.

If the house is now empty - The House insurance needs to be changed to reflect the empty property. Please keep accurate record of any expenses, so you can be reimbursed. https://insuristic.co.uk/unoccupied-home-insurance/

At the time of going to press these provided this cover.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting powers of attorney are no longer valid, these documents along with any certified copies need to be sent back to the Office of Public Guardian with a death certificate.

Will

The Will, will need to be located as this can have important information in regarding funeral wishes. This will also appoint executors, whom will be able to administer the Will including the funeral payments.

If you are unable to locate the Will maybe calling round local Law firm or searching the Will register may help. This is a chargeable service.

Funeral

When organising a funeral usually this is done by the next of kin or the executors in the Will.

Within a Will there may be details of their wishes for their funeral and if they had a funeral plan.

Even though it is likely that bank accounts are frozen due to the death of the owner, institutions will usually pay the invoice of a funeral directors. Wakes may need to be covered elsewhere.