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How to Ease Admin Nightmares After Someone Dies

Category: What To Do When Someone Dies


When someone dies, as well as dealing with sadness and loss, there can also be a lot of matters to sort through. It may be difficult to know where to begin or even to know what you are supposed to do. To ease any admin nightmares for you, we’ve put together a checklist of tasks that need completing after someone passes away.


1.Calls to make

In the first few days following the death, there are a few people to contact. First and foremost friends and family should be the priority. The next calls to make should be to the family doctor, employer or school (if relevant), solicitor and accountant. It is also important to register the death at the relevant Registrar’s Office.

A funeral director can be of great support to give you practical help and advice as well as for beginning funeral arrangements.


2.Gathering documents

There is a lot of paperwork to complete when dealing with the death of a loved one. Having the right documents to hand will make this process smoother. Try and collate the following; National Insurance number, NHS number, birth certificate (or date and place of birth), marriage certificate (date of marriage or civil partnership), Child Benefit number, tax reference number, organ donor card (if registered).

It is also important to find the will of the deceased if there is one. The deceased person’s solicitor may have a copy if you can’t find one straightaway. Sorting out an estate where there is no will is sometimes tricky so it is a good idea to seek a solicitor to help you through the process.


3. Who to tell

Many organisations and companies will also need to know about someone passing away. Consider getting in touch with the Tax Office, passport service, pension providers and life insurance companies. You should also contact the DVLA Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to return any licences, cancel car tax, or return car registration documents/change ownership.

It is key to ensure you contact the relevant people in order to organise or cancel any outgoings such as banks and building societies, mortgage providers, credit card companies, utilities companies, and landlords.

To avoid any unnecessary upsetting letters, contact the Royal Mail to get mail redirected. Any subscriptions, for example TV/internet companies, will also need to be cancelled. To help with this contact the Bereavement Register and ask them to remove the deceased’s name from mailing lists and databases.


4. Ask for help

Finally, it is essential to remember you are not alone in this. There are many people to turn to for advice and support. Ask people close to you to make some of the relevant calls or take on part of the administration. If you do not feel you can, ask friends or family, try talking to us here at Co-op Funeralcare, your personal funeral director, or one of the following services who specialise in supporting those experiencing loss;

The Samaritans

The Bereavement Trust

Child Bereavement UK

The Lullaby Trust

AgeUK