Guide
Bereavement checklist for the UK
A single place to see the whole journey. Use it as an overview, then build a personalised roadmap for your own situation.
At a glance
- Register the death and begin funeral arrangements.
- Tell government and other organisations, using Tell Us Once only for England, Scotland and Wales.
- Find the will, value the estate and check which nation’s estate process applies.
- Settle debts and tax before distributing the estate.
First few days
- Wait for confirmation from the relevant medical or registration service
- Register the death and order certificates
- Begin funeral arrangements (check for a prepaid plan)
- Locate the will and key documents
First few weeks
- Use Tell Us Once if the person lived in England, Scotland or Wales
- Notify banks, pensions and insurers
- Sort household services and subscriptions
- Tell their employer
The months after
- Value the estate and check if probate is needed
- Settle debts and any tax
- Decide what happens to the property
- Distribute the estate and keep records
Where to go
The official UK services and trusted support for this — so you can act, not just read.
General information to help you find your way — not legal or financial advice. Last reviewed June 2026.