What to do when someone dies

Have the death formally confirmed

If at home and the death was expected, call the person's GP or 111 (UK) / 112 (EU) / the hospice or hospital. If sudden or unexpected, call emergency services. In the US, call 911.

Tell the people closest to them

Reach out in person or by phone where possible. There is no rush to tell everyone today - start with the small circle who need to know first.

Take a breath. Eat. Drink water.

Shock is physical as well as emotional. There is almost nothing that has to happen in the first few hours beyond confirming the death and looking after the people in the room.

Collect the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

Issued by the attending doctor (or by a Medical Examiner in England & Wales). You'll need it to register the death.

Register the death within 5 days (8 in Scotland)

Book an appointment at the local Register Office where the death occurred. You'll receive a Death Certificate and a green form for the funeral director. Order several certified copies - banks and pension providers usually want originals.

Use the Tell Us Once service

Available in England, Scotland and Wales. One appointment notifies HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office and the local council on your behalf.

Choose a funeral director (or arrange a direct cremation)

Compare two or three for price and feel. Ask for an itemised quote. A direct (unattended) cremation is a low-cost option if a service isn't wanted right away.

Locate the will and contact the executor

Check with their solicitor and the National Will Register. If there is no will, the estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy.

Apply for probate (or confirmation in Scotland) if needed

Usually required if the estate is over £5,000 or includes property. Apply via GOV.UK. Inheritance Tax (if due) must be paid within 6 months of death.

Notify banks, pension providers, employer and utilities

The UK Death Notification Service lets you tell several banks and building societies in one step.

Decide the shape of the goodbye

There is no single right answer. Some families hold a funeral and a separate celebration of life weeks later; some hold a hill walk, a prayer meeting, a wake, a memorial concert, or simply a quiet gathering at home.

Choose readings, music and who will speak

Our free Eulogy Builder and Obituary Writer can help if you're stuck for words.

Invite people and share practical details

Create a free TributeLegacy page to invite people to any gathering - funeral, wake, celebration of life, hill walk or prayer meeting - and to gather photos, stories and candles in one place.

Plan small acts of self-care for the day

Eat beforehand. Nominate a friend to handle logistics. Build in quiet moments. Grief is exhausting work.