A Gentle Guide
Things to do first when someone passes
A Gentle Guide After the Loss of a Loved One
You Don’t Have to Do Everything Today
Losing someone you love can leave you feeling overwhelmed. This guide has been created to help you take one step at a time in your own time.
There is no perfect way to grieve, and there is no expectation that you remember everything. Simply return to this checklist whenever you’re ready.
Immediate Steps
First 24 Hours
- Contact the doctor, hospital or care home to obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
- Inform close family members and those who need to know.
- Take a few moments for yourself before making any major decisions.
Within the First Few Days
Practical Arrangements
- Choose a funeral director who understands your wishes.
- Register the death with your local Register Office.
- Use the Government’s “Tell Us Once” service to notify all departments in one place https://tell-us-someone-died.dwp.gov.uk
- Contact the person’s bank or building society.
During the First Week
Wills, Executors & Documents
- Locate the Will, if one exists.
- Identify who has been appointed as Executor.
- Begin discussing funeral arrangements with family.
- Start gathering important documents.
Over the Next Two Weeks
Notifying Others
- Notify employers or pension providers.
- Contact utility companies, broadband, council tax and insurance providers.
- Arrange Royal Mail redirection if needed.
- Keep a folder containing letters, reference numbers and important paperwork.
During the First Month
Estate & Probate
- Check for life insurance policies.
- Find out whether financial support or bereavement benefits are available.
- Decide what to do with social media and online accounts when you feel ready.
- Begin valuing the estate.
- Find out whether Probate is required.
When You’re Ready
Settling the Estate
These steps can wait until you feel able to face them.
- Apply for Probate (if necessary).
- Pay outstanding debts from the estate.
- Distribute the estate according to the Will or the law.
The Most Important Step
Take care of yourself
Grief doesn’t follow a timetable.
Some days you’ll feel strong.
Other days you’ll simply get through the day.
Both are perfectly okay.
Accept help when it’s offered.
Talk about your loved one often.
Share their stories.
Keep their memory alive.
Because love doesn’t end when a life does.
Remembering Them
Before you put away the paperwork…
Take ten minutes to write down:
- Their favourite saying.
- Their funniest memory.
- The lesson they taught you.
- The song that reminds you of them.
- What you’ll miss most.
These memories become priceless over time.
“Every life leaves a story worth remembering.”
Thank you for allowing us to walk beside you during this journey. Please feel free to share this page with someone who may be grieving right now and would find it helpful.
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