Registration, funerals, wills, executorship, intestacy, property, accounts and passing records to the authorised person.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's First Steps guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 8 min.
Friendship alone is not a universal qualification. A person may qualify because they were present at the death, occupy the place where it occurred or are arranging the funeral. Follow the registrar's instructions for the circumstances.
Yes, if a valid will appoints them. The role does not depend on family relationship. They should confirm the original will and decide whether to act before dealing with estate assets.
No. Friendship creates no intestacy entitlement in England and Wales. Joint ownership, a debt owed to the friend or a possible dependency claim is a separate issue and needs evidence.
A friend can make arrangements where the family and personal representatives agree, but the person signing the funeral contract may be personally responsible to the funeral director. Confirm payment and authority first.
Keep them secure, record what you hold and pass them to the authorised personal representatives. Do not use passwords, bank cards or accounts as if you were the deceased.
A person maintained wholly or partly by the deceased may fall within the 1975 Act. The usual application period is six months from the grant, but the facts and court permission rules matter, so obtain prompt specialist advice.