Initial Steps Following A Death

Initial Steps Following A Death

There are a number of things you have to deal with whilst coming to terms with a loss.

Whilst this is by no means a comprehensive list, we hope this checklist will help you to make sure all the essentials are covered.

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Initial Steps Following A Death – A Checklist

1. Register The Death

  • Make an appointment with the local Registrar of births, deaths and marriages
  • Collate together all the necessary information to give to the Registrar of births, deaths and marriages
  • Attend the appointment to register the death
  • Collect the Death Certificate

2. Arrange The Funeral

  • Find a local firm of undertakers
  • Arrange funeral/cremation/burial as directed
  • Notify time, date and place to family and friends
  • Make an announcement in the local newspaper
  • Attend funeral

3. Contact Solicitors

  • Contact a local solicitor who specialises in Wills and Probate matters (such as Seatons).

4. The Deceased’s House If Vacant

  • Remove valuables
  • Keep heating on or drain water system
  • Cancel deliveries e.g. milk, papers
  • Redirect mail
  • Lodge keys securely, not marked with address
  • Confirm that property is insured and notify the household insurers
  • Inform landlord if property vacant, if appropriate

5. The Deceased’s Car

  • Inform insurers
  • Transfer insurance if to be used by family
  • Arrange for security if not to be used

6. The Deceased’s Pet(s)

  • Arrange for welfare

7. Organisations To Be Informed

  • Banks and Building Societies
  • Investment and Insurance Policies
  • Store Cards
  • Credit Card Companies
  • Hospital and/or family Doctor
  • Social Services/District Nurses
  • Employer or Professional Association
  • Inland Revenue
  • Department for Work & Pensions
  • Car Insurance – Documents will have to be changed
  • Gas, Electric, Water, Telephone and Cable Companies
  • Post Office

8. Items To Be Returned

  • Passport
  • Driving Licence
  • Vehicle Registration Documents
  • Car Insurance
  • Television Licence
  • Season Ticket and Club Membership Cards
  • Library Books and Card

9. Items You May Need To Cancel

Milk, Newspapers, Lottery Ticket, Appointments, Meals on Wheels, Home Help, Chiropodist, Dentist, Eye Specialist, Hairdresser, Home Care, Gardener.

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Call our Corby office on 01536 276300 or our Kettering office on 01536 311690 today or contact us online.

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