Guide
What to do when your sister dies
The death of a sister can leave you both grieving and suddenly responsible. Take it step by step — this guide sets out the order.
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.
Your role in sorting things out
If your sister had a spouse, partner or children, they usually take the lead and may be named in her will. You may be the executor, or helping out. If she had no closer family, you as a sibling may register the death and handle the estate.
Check for a will to confirm who is responsible. With no will, the nearest relatives can apply to administer the estate under the intestacy rules.
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 sister 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.
- Applying for probateGOV.UK Probate guidance for England and Wales, with links to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Who to contact after a deathGOV.UK Organisations to notify and how Tell Us Once helps.
- 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
- Who inherits if my sister had no will or children?
- Under intestacy, a spouse or civil partner inherits first. If there’s none, it passes to parents, then to siblings — so you and any other siblings may inherit equally.
- Can I arrange the funeral?
- Yes. Any close relative can arrange the funeral. Check first for a prepaid plan or written wishes, and keep receipts — funeral costs are paid from the estate.
General information to help you find your way — not legal or financial advice. Last reviewed June 2026.