What to do when your wife dies

1. Register the death

In England and Wales, wait for the medical examiner’s office to confirm that registration can go ahead, then register within 5 days of that confirmation. In Scotland, register within 8 days of the death. Northern Ireland has a separate registration process, normally within 5 days. A coroner, procurator fiscal or other investigation can change the timing, so follow the instructions you are given.

2. Order death certificates

You can order certified copies when you register. Some banks, pension providers and insurers still ask to see one, while others accept an upload or verify the death another way. Check what the organisations involved require before ordering a large number.

3. Use Tell Us Once

In England, Scotland and Wales, report the death to government departments with Tell Us Once. It is not available when the person was living in Northern Ireland. As her widower — or in some cases as a cohabiting partner responsible for a child — you may qualify for Bereavement Support Payment. Claim within 3 months for the full payment; claims are usually accepted up to 21 months after the death.

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.