Guide
What to do when your partner dies
Losing your partner is devastating, and if you weren’t married the rules can feel unfair. This guide covers what to do and where you stand.
At a glance
- Follow the registration instructions for the UK nation where the death happened.
- Begin funeral arrangements and check for a will, prepaid plan or written wishes.
- Use Tell Us Once within 28 days if the person lived in England, Scotland or Wales; Northern Ireland uses separate services.
- Confirm who is authorised to deal with the estate before closing or transferring assets.
If you weren’t married or in a civil partnership
Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit under intestacy rules. Tell Us Once can still report the death to government services in England, Scotland and Wales. Bereavement Support Payment may also be available to some cohabiting partners who were pregnant or responsible for a child. If your partner left no will, get early advice about your home, finances and any possible claim against the estate.
Check whose name the tenancy or mortgage and the household bills are in, as your rights to stay in the home depend on this. Citizens Advice can help you understand your position.
The first steps that apply to everyone
Whatever your situation, registration comes first. In England and Wales, wait for the medical examiner’s office to confirm you can register, then do so within 5 days. In Scotland, register within 8 days of the death. Northern Ireland has a separate process, normally within 5 days. Order the certified copies you expect to need, then begin funeral arrangements and check for any prepaid plan or written wishes your partner left.
Telling people and organisations
If the person lived in England, Scotland or Wales, use Tell Us Once within 28 days of receiving the reference number. It reports the death to HMRC, DWP, the passport office, DVLA and the local council. It is not available when the person lived in Northern Ireland. Banks, private pensions, insurers and household services must still be contacted directly.
Where to go
The official UK services and trusted support for this — so you can act, not just read.
- Register a deathGOV.UK Find and book your local register office, and see what to bring.
- Who inherits if there’s no willGOV.UK The intestacy rules for England and Wales.
- Citizens Advice — what to do after a deathCitizens Advice Free advice on the practical and legal steps.
- Tell Us OnceGOV.UK Report a death to most government departments in one go.
- Dealing with an estate in ScotlandScottish Courts Official guidance on confirmation and administering a Scottish estate.
- Probate in Northern Irelandnidirect Official Northern Ireland probate guidance.
Common questions
- Do I inherit if we weren’t married and there’s no will?
- Not automatically. Intestacy rules don’t recognise unmarried partners. You may be able to claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act, especially if you depended on each other financially — seek advice quickly as time limits apply.
- Can I stay in our home?
- It depends on whose name is on the tenancy or title and how it was owned. Jointly-owned homes often pass to the survivor; sole-name property follows the will or intestacy. Get advice if you’re unsure.
General information to help you find your way — not legal or financial advice. Last reviewed June 2026.