Who to call, medical examiner and coroner routes, immediate safety, registration, funeral wishes, and which probate tasks can wait.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's First Steps guide cluster.
Also searched as: emergency checklist; emergency checklist after death.
If the death was expected, follow the care team's instructions and contact the GP or out-of-hours service named in the care plan. If the person may still be alive, it was unexpected, circumstances are unclear or anyone may be in danger, call 999 and follow the call handler's instructions, including any life-saving action. Do not let concern about disturbing a scene delay emergency help.
In England and Wales, wait for the medical examiner's office to confirm that you can register, then register within five days of that confirmation. GOV.UK includes weekends and bank holidays. Contact the register office immediately if you need longer. A coroner referral can change the process; follow the instructions given for that death.
You can contact a funeral director and discuss provisional arrangements, but the documents needed for burial or cremation depend on the certification or coroner process. Avoid non-refundable commitments until the route is clear.
Ask the registrar about Tell Us Once after registration. If an inquest is underway, obtain an interim death certificate from the coroner and ask the registrar for a reference. The service can also be used with a final death certificate. Use it within 28 days of receiving the unique reference; the reference does not come automatically with the certificate.
Usually no. Secure cards and records, but first identify the personal representatives and the provider's deceased-customer process. Do not use the deceased person's password, PIN or online banking as if you were them.
Deal with immediate safety, dependants, animals, an unsecured home, perishable property, a trading business and any known court, tax or contractual deadline. Most valuation and probate work can then be planned rather than rushed.