What to Do When Someone Dies: UK Checklist
Step-by-step checklist for executors and families in England & Wales. Covers death registration, probate, assets, and everything you need to do after someone dies.
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Understanding what happens after someone dies in England & Wales
When someone dies, there are many practical and legal steps that need to be taken. The process can feel overwhelming, especially during an emotional time. This guide explains the key stages and what you need to know.
Typical timeline
Every situation is different, but here's a general timeline:
Key terms explained
Probate
The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. You need a "Grant of Probate" to access most assets. Required for estates over £5,000-£50,000 (varies by institution) or if there's property.
Executor
The person(s) named in the will to carry out the deceased's wishes. Executors apply for probate, pay debts, and distribute the estate. If there's no will, an "Administrator" is appointed instead.
Death Certificate
Official document proving someone has died. You'll need multiple certified copies (5-10+) to send to banks, insurers, DVLA, etc. Get these when registering the death—much cheaper than ordering later.
Estate
Everything the person owned: property, money, investments, belongings, minus any debts. The estate is valued and distributed according to the will (or intestacy rules if no will).
Tell Us Once
A free government service that notifies multiple departments at once (HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office). Saves you contacting each organization separately. Get the code from the registrar.
Inheritance Tax
Tax on estates over £325,000 (or £500,000 if leaving main home to children). Rate is 40% on the amount above the threshold. Must be paid within 6 months of death. IHT forms required even if no tax due.
Do you need probate?
You definitely need probate if:
- The person owned property (house, flat, land) in their sole name
- The estate is worth over £5,000-£50,000 (threshold varies by bank/institution)
- There are stocks, shares, or investments
You might not need probate if:
- The estate is very small (under £5,000)
- All assets were held jointly (e.g., joint bank account, joint property ownership)
- Assets have nominated beneficiaries (e.g., life insurance, pensions)
Tip: Contact each bank/institution holding assets. They'll confirm if they need Grant of Probate or will release funds without it.
What happens if there's no will?
If someone dies without a will ("intestate"), the law decides who inherits. This often doesn't match what the person would have wanted.
England & Wales intestacy rules (simplified):
- Married/civil partner, no children: Spouse inherits everything
- Married/civil partner with children: Spouse gets first £322,000 + personal belongings + half the remainder. Children share the other half.
- No spouse, but children: Children inherit everything equally
- No spouse or children: Goes to parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives
- No relatives at all: Estate goes to the Crown
Important: Unmarried partners (cohabiting couples) have no automatic right to inherit under intestacy rules, even if you lived together for decades. This is why making a will is so important.
Where to get help
Bereavement support
- Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
- Age UK: 0800 678 1602
Frequently asked questions
What's the first thing I need to do when someone dies?
If the death was expected and the person was at home, call their GP to confirm the death and issue a medical certificate. If the death was unexpected, call 999.
You must then register the death within 5 days at the local register office. Take the medical certificate and the person's birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and NHS number.
How many death certificates do I need?
Order at least 5-10 certified copies when you register the death. You'll need to send original certificates to banks, insurance companies, pension providers, DVLA, and other organizations.
Ordering them at registration is much cheaper (around £11 each) than ordering later (£35+ each).
How long does probate take in England & Wales?
Applying for probate typically takes 8-16 weeks from submission to receiving the Grant of Probate. However, the entire estate administration process (valuing assets, paying debts, distributing) usually takes 9-12 months.
Complex estates with property, tax issues, or disputes can take much longer—sometimes 2+ years.
What if I can't find the will?
Search the person's home thoroughly (filing cabinets, safes, desk drawers). Then:
- Contact their solicitor (if they had one)
- Check the Certainty National Will Register (£90 search fee)
- Contact banks where they held accounts (some store wills)
If no will is found, the estate is distributed according to intestacy rules.
Do I have to pay for the funeral before probate?
Yes, funeral costs are usually paid upfront by the executor or family, then reimbursed from the estate later. Funeral expenses are the first priority when distributing the estate, paid before any other debts.
If the estate has insufficient funds, the person arranging the funeral may be able to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government (if eligible).
What if there's not enough money in the estate to pay debts?
Debts are paid in a specific order of priority: funeral costs first, then secured debts (mortgages), then unsecured debts (credit cards, loans).
If the estate is "insolvent" (debts exceed assets), beneficiaries receive nothing. Importantly, you are not personally liable for the deceased's debts unless you were a co-signatory.
Can I distribute the estate before probate is granted?
No. You cannot distribute assets (except for small personal items) until you have the Grant of Probate. Banks, building societies, and the Land Registry will not release assets without it.
However, you can pay funeral costs and urgent bills from the estate's bank accounts before probate, with the bank's permission.
What happens to joint bank accounts and property?
Joint assets automatically pass to the surviving owner(s), bypassing probate. This includes:
- Joint bank accounts: Ownership transfers to survivor
- Joint property (joint tenancy): Survivor becomes sole owner
- Property as "tenants in common": Deceased's share forms part of estate (needs probate)