Guide
What to do when your father dies
When your father dies there’s a lot to hold at once. You don’t have to do it all today — start with the few things that come first.
The first steps
Register the death within 5 days (8 in Scotland) at a register office, and order several certified copies of the death certificate while you’re there — banks, pensions and insurers each want to see an original. Then begin funeral arrangements, checking first for any prepaid plan or written wishes your father left.
If you’re sorting out his affairs
Look for a will to find out who the executor is. If your mother is still living, much may pass to her automatically and probate may not be needed. If your father lived alone or owned property in his sole name, probate is more likely.
Check for a workplace or private pension and any life insurance — these can pay out to the family and often aren’t part of the will.
Telling people and organisations
Use the government’s Tell Us Once service to report the death to HMRC, the DWP, the passport office, DVLA and the local council in one step. Then contact banks, pension providers, insurers and any household services directly.
Common questions
- Does everything go to my mother automatically?
- Jointly-owned assets usually pass to a surviving spouse automatically. Anything in your father’s sole name follows the will, or the intestacy rules if there’s no will.
- How do I find out if my father had a will?
- Check his home and paperwork, ask his bank or solicitor, and you can search the National Will Register. The will names the executor responsible for the estate.
General information to help you find your way — not legal or financial advice. Last reviewed June 2026.