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. Estimated reading time: 8 min.
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 it was unexpected, circumstances are unclear, or anyone may be in danger, call 999 and do not disturb the scene.
In England and Wales, the registration period runs after the registrar receives the medical examiner's notification, and an investigation or coroner referral can change the route. Follow the medical examiner, coroner and registrar instructions rather than counting from the moment of 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.
The registrar usually provides a unique reference after registration, or it may be available with an interim or final coroner certificate. GOV.UK says to use the service within 28 days of receiving the reference.
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.