What To Do When Someone Dies: A Practical Guide for Families
Losing someone close to you is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Alongside the shock and grief, there are practical matters that need attention — and it can feel overwhelming knowing where to begin.
This guide explains what to do when someone dies in the UK, who is responsible for dealing with their estate, and the key steps you may need to take.
If you would prefer personal support, our friendly team is here to guide you through every stage.
1. Register the Death
The first step is to register the death at the local Register Office. This must usually be done within five days in England and Wales.
When you register the death, the Registrar will give you information about the government’s Tell Us Once service. We strongly recommend using this service. It allows you to notify multiple government departments — such as HMRC, DWP and the Passport Office — in one go, rather than contacting each individually.
2. Check for a Will
Before making funeral arrangements or dealing with finances, check whether the person left a valid Will.
Look carefully through their paperwork for the original signed Will (not a copy). It is important to confirm:
You have the original document
It is the most recent Will
It clearly names the executors
If you cannot find a Will, you may need to:
Contact local solicitors
Carry out a formal Will search
If there is a Will, the named executors are responsible for dealing with the estate.
If there is no Will, the estate is dealt with under the rules of intestacy, and the closest relatives can apply to act as administrators. The law sets out a strict order of who is entitled to apply.
3. Inform Insurance Companies and Protect Assets
If you are acting as executor or administrator, one of your first responsibilities is to protect the estate’s assets.
You should:
Notify home, life and car insurance providers
Inform banks and financial institutions
Make a list of valuables in the property
If the home is now empty, consider safely storing small valuables elsewhere.
4. Arrange Post Redirection
Setting up a Royal Mail post redirection can make managing the estate much easier. This ensures important letters — such as bank statements or utility bills — are not missed.
5. If the Deceased Owned Property
If there is a property in the estate, it must remain properly insured until it is sold or transferred.
Important points:
Notify the insurer if the property is unoccupied
Comply with any policy conditions (for example, regular inspections)
Keep both buildings and contents insurance active
The cost of insurance can be reimbursed from estate funds.
⚠️ Executors and administrators can be personally liable if they fail to protect estate assets properly. This is why early legal advice can be very helpful.
6. Dealing With Vehicles
If the deceased owned a vehicle, you must:
Declare it as SORN (if off the public highway), or
Transfer ownership and ensure road tax is paid
The vehicle must remain insured until sold or transferred.
7. Be Careful Not to “Intermeddle”
If you have been named as executor but are unsure whether you want to take on the role, be careful not to “intermeddle”.
Intermeddling means taking actions that go beyond protecting assets — for example, selling property or distributing money.
If you intermeddle, you may legally be treated as having accepted the role and could become personally responsible for mistakes or losses.
If you are uncertain, it is best to seek legal advice before taking further steps.
Do I Need a Solicitor When Someone Dies?
Not every estate requires a solicitor. However, legal advice can be especially helpful if:
There is no Will
The estate is large or complex
There are disputes between family members
There is property involved
You are unsure about your responsibilities as executor
At what can already be a painful time, having professional support can give you clarity and peace of mind.
We Are Here to Help
Dealing with a loved one’s estate can feel daunting — but you do not have to manage it alone.
If you need advice about probate, administering an estate, or acting as an executor, please contact our team. As a small, family-run firm, we understand the emotional and practical pressures you may be facing, and we are here to support you with clear guidance and genuine care.
