Registration, funeral support, parental leave, wills and intestacy, accounts, debts and specialist bereavement help.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's First Steps guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 8 min.
A valid will may name executors. Without a will, priority depends on whether the child left a spouse or civil partner, descendants or other entitled relatives. A parent often has priority for a young unmarried child, but parenthood alone should not be treated as authority without checking the facts and grant requirements.
No. In England it covers specified burial or cremation fees and a coffin, shroud or casket up to the current limit. It is not means-tested, but the funeral must qualify and claims must be made within six months.
In Great Britain, eligible employees can take up to two weeks for a child who died under 18 or was stillborn after 24 weeks. The leave must be taken within 56 weeks. Pay has separate eligibility conditions.
The provider should be notified through its bereavement process. The account becomes part of the child's estate; the registered contact does not simply become owner of the money.
Do not assume a parent is liable. Notify the relevant loan provider and check the agreement. Government student loans are normally cancelled on death when the Student Loans Company receives the required evidence.
Child Bereavement UK, The Compassionate Friends, Sands and the NHS publish current support routes. Use their current websites rather than a saved opening time or copied telephone list.