What to do when someone dies
A death brings a long list of things to do, and most of them are not urgent. This guide takes them one step at a time, for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
If someone has just died, take a breath. Almost nothing has to happen in the next hour, and you do not have to do it all alone. Ask a friend or relative to sit with you, make tea and write things down. The sections below tell you what really is time-limited and what can wait.
The first few hours
- Expected death at home (for example someone who was ill and being cared for): call their GP, out-of-hours doctor or the nurse or hospice team they have been seeing. They will confirm the death. Only then call a funeral director if you wish.
- Sudden or unexpected death: call 999. Police and ambulance staff will tell you what happens next, and the death may be reported to a coroner (in Scotland, the procurator fiscal). See first steps after a death.
- Death in hospital, a care home or a hospice: staff will guide you and tell you who will contact you about the paperwork.
The few things that have deadlines
| What | When | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|
| Register the death in England or Wales | Within 5 days of being contacted by the medical examiner's office | Registering in England and Wales |
| Register the death in Scotland | Within 8 days where possible | Scotland and Northern Ireland |
| Register the death in Northern Ireland | Within 5 days, apart from deaths referred to the coroner | Scotland and Northern Ireland |
| Use a Tell Us Once reference number | Within 28 days of getting it | Tell Us Once |
| Claim a Funeral Expenses Payment (England and Wales) | Within 6 months of the funeral | Funerals and costs |
Weekends and bank holidays count towards the registration deadline. If you cannot meet it, tell the register office straight away.
Everything else, in a sensible order
- Get the death confirmed and find out whether a coroner or procurator fiscal is involved.
- Register the death (or in Scotland or Northern Ireland) and buy several copies of the death certificate.
- Use Tell Us Once to tell most government bodies in one go (not available if the person lived in Northern Ireland).
- Arrange the funeral and look into help with the cost if money is tight.
- Tell banks, pension providers and benefit offices.
- Secure the home, any tenancy and online accounts.
- Find the will, and work out whether you need probate or confirmation. If there is no will, read about intestacy.
- Look after yourself: see bereavement support.
Keep a simple record
Use one notebook or folder. Write down who you spoke to, the date, and any reference number. Keep copies of every letter. Estate paperwork can drag on for months, and a clear record protects you if anything is queried later. A printable-style checklist pulls every step together.
Who is this guide for?
It is written for the person dealing with things: a partner, son or daughter, friend, neighbour or executor. It covers the whole UK because the system is not the same everywhere. Where England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ, each page says so. Where we could not confirm a detail on an official page, we say that too and point you to the source.
Free help
If you are struggling, you can talk to someone at any hour. Samaritans answer free on 116 123 at any time, and Cruse Bereavement Support has a helpline for people who have lost someone. Details are on the bereavement support page.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and they change. Check the official pages linked at the bottom of each page, and ask a solicitor or Citizens Advice about your own situation. Last checked November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How soon must a death be registered?
In England and Wales within 5 days of being contacted by the medical examiner's office, in Scotland within 8 days where possible, and in Northern Ireland within 5 days unless the death is referred to the coroner. Weekends and bank holidays count in England and Wales.
Do I need to call a funeral director straight away?
No. After the death has been confirmed there is no rush to choose a funeral director. Take time to check whether the person left funeral wishes or had a prepaid plan.
Can I do all of this myself?
Yes. A solicitor or probate firm is not compulsory for the first steps, and many estates are dealt with by family. Ask for help with anything complicated, such as a large estate or a dispute.
What if the person died abroad?
The death must be registered under the law of the country where it happened. GOV.UK has a section on deaths abroad, including bringing a body home.