Checklist No One Talks About: 9 Steps When a Loved One Dies

Losing a loved one is overwhelming. Beyond the grief, there’s a long list of legal, financial, and administrative tasks that no one prepares you for. Where do you even begin? This guide will walk you through the 9 essential steps—from registering the death to settling the estate—so you can handle everything with clarity and confidence.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Obtain Death Certificates
• Step 2: Notify Authorities & Organizations
• Step 3: Arrange the Funeral
• Step 4: Locate the Will
• Step 5: Value the Estate
• Step 6: Check Inheritance Tax Requirements
• Step 7: Apply for Probate
• Step 8: Settle Debts & Distribute Assets
• Step 9: Close the Estate

Step 1: Obtain Death Certificates

The first legal step is to register the death with the local Register Office within 5 days, if you are in England, Wales & Northern Ireland. You have 8 days, if you are in Scotland. The death certificate is essential for handling probate, closing accounts, and accessing estate funds.

Tip: Request multiple copies (£11 each) since banks, insurance companies, and HMRC won't accept photocopies. This saves significant time during probate administration.

Step 2: Notify Authorities & Organizations

Once the death is registered, the next step is to inform key institutions to ensure a smooth transition of financial and legal matters. This step is crucial to help prevent potential fraud, and identity theft, and stop unnecessary payments.

Yes, there is such a thing as identity fraud involving deceased individuals (aka "ghosting"). Best offence is a good defence with this one!

Now, who to notify:

• Government agencies: DWP (pensions/benefits), HMRC (taxes), DVLA (driving license).
• Banks & financial institutions: To freeze accounts and prevent fraud.
• Employers & insurance providers: To stop salary payments and process claims.
• Utility companies: Gas, electricity, internet, phone contracts.

Service Providers

• Utility companies (gas, electricity, water)
• Internet and phone providers
• Subscription services
• Landlords or housing associations

Simplify Notification with Free Services

• Tell Us Once service notifies multiple government departments simultaneously
• Death Notification Service (DNS) informs multiple financial institutions with one submission

Tip: The UK offers a free Tell Us Once service, allowing you to notify multiple government agencies in one go. And instead of calling each bank separately, you can use the Death Notification Service (DNS) to inform multiple UK banks and building societies at once.

Step 3: Arrange the Funeral

Funeral arrangements need to be made. In the UK, the average funeral costs between £3,000 and £5,000, depending on the type of service. Ok, but who pays?

Funeral costs are usually covered in one of three ways:

• From the deceased’s estate – Banks will often release funds directly to a funeral provider upon request.
• Through a prepaid funeral plan or life insurance – Check if the deceased had a policy in place.
• By the family – If there are no funds available, relatives may need to cover the costs upfront and seek reimbursement from the estate later.

Tip: If cost is a concern, consider direct cremation (farewell without a ceremony), which is significantly cheaper than traditional funerals. Government assistance may be available for people with low income or benefits. This includes the Bereavement Support Payment and the Funeral Expenses Payment.

Step 4: Locate the Will

A will doesn’t just say who gets what—it says who’s in charge. That clarity can prevent delays, disputes, and stress for grieving families.

Check the home, solicitor, bank, or the National Will Register. If no will is found, UK intestacy laws apply. Read our guide about Instestacy Law here.

Tip: The absence of a will can lead to confusion, conflict, and costly delays. Writing one now spares your loved ones from unnecessary hardship later.

Step 5: Value the Estate

Valuing the estate helps determine if probate is needed and whether Inheritance Tax (IHT) applies. It is simpler than many people think and in most cases you can do this yourself without having to hire a solicitor or a surveyor.

HMRC generally accepts reasonable estimates, as long as you can provide supporting evidence. Here are a few examples of reasonable asset valuation method that you can do yourself:

• Cash assets (Bank Accounts, Savings, ISAs) — Use bank statements showing balances at the date of death.
• Stocks & shares — Use the closing prices on the exact date of death on official sources (e.g., London Stock Exchange).
• Houses — Use the average of 3 independent market appraisals from your local real estate agents
• Vehicles — Use comparable car prices on trade guidebooks or online valuation tools (e.g., Glass’s Guide, CAP Black Book). Don’t forget to consider the car condition, mileage and age of the vehicle.

Tip: Document your valuation method for each asset with supporting evidence (screenshots, emails, receipts). HMRC may request justification during probate.

Step 6: Check Inheritance Tax Requirements

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate of someone who has died, but most estates in the UK do not have to pay it. Whether or not IHT applies depends on the total value of the estate and who inherits it.

How to Check If You Owe IHT:

• Calculate the total estate value (assets minus debts).
• Deduct any exemptions and reliefs (spouse transfers, residence allowance, gifts, etc.).
• If the taxable estate is over £325,000, IHT may be due.

Tip: You must pay IHT before applying for probate. Use HMRC's IHT calculator to determine potential liability. Consider professional advice for estates approaching tax thresholds.

Step 7: Apply for Probate

Probate is the legal process that gives someone the authority to manage a deceased person’s estate. Without it, banks, financial institutions, and the Land Registry may not release funds or transfer property.

When Probate Is Required

In the UK, probate is typically required if the deceased owned assets that cannot be transferred automatically. This includes:

• Estates valued above £5,000 (though some banks set their own thresholds, sometimes up to £50,000–£100,000).
• Property owned solely or as tenants in common (not jointly owned).
• Stocks, shares, or large investments.
• Certain insurance policies that don’t pay out automatically to a named beneficiary.

Types of Grant Applications

Whether you need Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration depends on whether there’s a will:

• If there’s a will, the executor applies for Grant of Probate.
• If there’s no will, the next of kin applies for Letters of Administration.

Step 8: Settle Debts & Distribute Assets

Before distributing anything, all outstanding debts must be paid from the estate—this includes funeral expenses, mortgages, loans, credit cards, and utility bills.

A common mistake is rushing to distribute funds too early, risking personal liability if a debt surfaces later. That’s why executors are advised to publish a notice to creditors in The Gazette (and possibly a local newspaper). This gives any unknown creditors two months to come forward. If none do, you're legally protected—even if someone tries to claim later.

Executor Tip: Always keep detailed records. Being an executor comes with legal responsibilities, and mistakes—even unintentional ones—can be costly.

Step 9: Close the Estate

To officially close the estate:

• Prepare final estate accounts – A record of all assets, payments, and distributions.
• Submit final tax returns – If required, an estate tax return may need to be filed with HMRC.
• Close accounts & cancel subscriptions – Shut down remaining financial accounts and utilities.
• Once everything is settled, your role as Executor is complete

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance relevant to your situation, please consult a qualified legal professional.

Last updated: March 18, 2025