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What to do When Someone Dies
Following a death there are a number of practical matters that need to be dealt with. Whilst the following list is intended to help you through the initial steps, not all of these will be relevant in all cases.
Firstly you will need to obtain the certificate of the fact of death from a doctor and take it to the Registry of Births, Marriages and Deaths to register the death and obtain a death certificate. You will also be given a form of Registration of Death for the purposes of the DWP and a green form, known as a Certificate for Burial or Cremation, which the undertakers will need. We will also need at least one copy of the death certificate and the form of Registration of Death.
When arranging the funeral you should ensure that any particular wishes contained in the will are respected. You may consider putting a notice in the newspaper, but beware of alerting criminals if the property is empty. Other practical steps include:
- placing valuables in safe keeping
- making sure that the property is secure including by changing locks
- making sure that house keys are only held by the appropriate people
- informing the police that the property is vacant
- organising for the property to be visited regularly
- informing relevant insurance companies that the policy holder has died and if the property is empty
- redirecting mail
- arranging for anything on hire to be returned
- disconnecting main services at the property and draining the water system
- notifying the DVLC and vehicle insurers. If appropriate arrange insurance for a new driver
To speak to someone who can help with estate administration call, email or request a call back from one of our specialist lawyers.
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