What to do when someone dies
Dealing with the death of a loved one can be an emotionally and legally challenging process. We understand the difficulties you may be facing during this time, and we're here to help you navigate the legal issues that arise when someone dies.
In this article, we'll provide comprehensive guidance on what to do when someone dies, including the legal procedures involved, and the steps you need to take to ensure that the estate is distributed according to the deceased's wishes.
- Reporting the death when someone dies, the first step is to register the death with the relevant authorities. This includes notifying the doctor or hospital, and obtaining a death certificate. You'll need to register the death within 5 days of the person passing away.
- Arranging the funeral After registering the death, the next step is to arrange the funeral. This can be a difficult process, but we'll guide you through it. You'll need to decide on the type of funeral service, the location, and the burial or cremation.
- Notifying relevant parties Once the funeral arrangements have been made, you'll need to notify the relevant parties of the death. This includes family members, friends, and any organisations or companies the deceased was involved with. You'll also need to cancel any contracts, such as utility bills or insurance policies.
- Dealing with the deceased's estateThe deceased's estate includes their assets, such as property, savings, and personal possessions. It also includes any debts or liabilities they may have had. To deal with the estate, you'll need to apply for probate. This involves obtaining a grant of probate from the court, which gives you the legal authority to manage the deceased's assets.
- Distributing the estate Once you have obtained the grant of probate, you can start to distribute the deceased's assets according to their wishes. This involves paying off any outstanding debts or liabilities, and dividing the remaining assets among the beneficiaries named in the will.
In summary, dealing with the legal issues that arise when someone dies can be a challenging process. However, with our comprehensive guidance, you can navigate the process with confidence and ensure that the deceased's wishes are carried out. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.