What to do when your wife dies

1. Register the death

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the death is normally registered within 5 days; in Scotland it’s 8. You usually go to the register office for the area where the person died — book an appointment first. The registrar gives you the documents you’ll need for nearly everything that follows.

2. Order death certificates

Ask for several certified copies when you register (they’re cheaper bought at the same time). Many banks, pension providers and insurers insist on seeing an original — a photocopy won’t do — so a handful of copies saves a lot of waiting.

3. Use Tell Us Once

Report the death to government departments in one go with Tell Us Once. As her widower you may qualify for Bereavement Support Payment — check what applies to you.

4. Money, pensions and the estate

Let her bank, pension providers and insurers know. If she left a will it names an executor; if there’s property or larger savings, you may need probate before accounts can be settled.