A calm guide through the practical steps after a death
When someone dies, there can feel like so much to do. This checklist is here to help you understand what needs attention now, what can wait, and where you don’t have to cope alone.
No obligation. Just calm, practical support, whenever you’re ready.
A step-by-step checklist you can return to in your own time
Losing a loved one brings many decisions to navigate during a time of grief. Our detailed checklist will guide you through essential steps, from registering the death to managing financial, legal, and personal affairs.
Rounce Funeral Services is here to support you with practical advice and compassionate care every step of the way. Let us help you take care of the necessary tasks while you focus on what matters most.
If this feels like a lot, that’s completely normal.
You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Many families use this checklist simply as a guide — something to return to when they feel ready.
If you’d rather talk things through at any point, our Funeral Directors are here to listen and help, without pressure or obligation.
No obligation. Just calm, supportive advice when you need it.
What to Do in the First Five Days Following a Death
Some of these steps may already have been handled for you by professionals involved in the care, and others don’t need to be completed straight away. This list is here to guide you — not to rush you.
There are a few important steps that need to be taken shortly after the death. In many cases, the hospital or GP involved will help you with these early steps:
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Notify the family GP
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Register the death at a registration office
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Find the will: The deceased person’s solicitor may have a copy if you can't find one.
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Begin making funeral arrangements: Check the will for any special requests or instructions.
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Use the 'Tell Us Once' service: This service allows you to report a death to most government organisations in one go, including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Passport Office, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and the local council.
Who to Contact About Accounts and Services
After notifying close family and friends, you'll need to handle various accounts, services, and subscriptions. Below is a list of those you may need to contact:
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Banking and Financial Services
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Banks and building societies
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Accountant
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Credit card providers/store cards
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Mortgage provider
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Hire purchase or loan agreement companies
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Insurance companies (contents, car, travel, medical, etc.)
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National Savings and Investments
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Pension providers/life insurance companies
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Premium Bond Office
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Government and Legal Services
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Benefits agency
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Income tax office
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National Insurance Contributions Office (if self-employed)
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Probate Office
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DVLA (to return any driving licence, cancel car tax, or change ownership of a vehicle)
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Solicitor
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Professional bodies
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Utilities and Service Providers
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Utility companies (gas, electricity, water)
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Internet provider
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Telephone provider (mobile and landline)
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Post Office (to redirect mail)
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TV Licence
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Meals on Wheels provider
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Many families tell us this is the point where things start to feel overwhelming.
Please remember — you don’t need to manage every phone call, form, or decision on your own. We can help guide you through what needs to be done now, what can wait, and what we can take care of for you.
You don’t need to have any plans made to talk to us.
No obligation. Just calm, supportive advice when you need it.
Health, Medical, and Social Services
Ensure all necessary health, medical, and social services are informed about the death:
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Healthcare Providers
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Hospital clinics (to cancel any outstanding appointments)
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NHS equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, etc.)
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Private healthcare provider
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Dentist
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Social Services
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Child Benefit office
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Child’s school or childcare provider
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Home help agency
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Disabled Parking Permit
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Property and Insurance Matters
If the deceased owned property or had insurance, here’s who to contact:
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Property-Related Services
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Landlord or local authority (if the deceased rented a property)
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Property management (for any second homes or vacation properties)
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Building insurance (ensure continuing cover if a house or property is to be left empty)
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Car insurance (if you intend to drive a car owned by the deceased, make sure you are insured)
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Insurance Companies
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Household insurance
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Car insurance
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Travel insurance
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Medical insurance
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Cancel Subscriptions, Clubs, and Social Memberships
There are often various memberships and subscriptions that need to be cancelled or updated:
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Clubs, Associations, and Social Groups
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Clubs, trade unions, associations with seasonal membership for cancellation & refunds
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Church / regular place of worship
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Social groups to which the deceased belonged
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Other Services
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Creditors (anyone the deceased owed money)
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Debtors (anyone who owed the deceased money)
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What to Do with the Will and Legal Matters
The deceased’s will may need to be reviewed, and several legal matters may require attention:
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Find the will: The deceased’s solicitor may have a copy.
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Notify the solicitor handling the estate.
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File probate (if applicable).
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Return cancelled or expired documents: Passport, driving license, and any official documents that are no longer needed.
Closing Personal Affairs
Ensure personal matters, such as subscriptions and any regular services the deceased used, are cancelled:
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Relatives and Friends: Notify extended family members and friends.
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Subscription Services: Cancel any magazine subscriptions or online services like Netflix or gym memberships.
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Library: Return any borrowed books or materials.
Here to Support You — At Your Pace
Managing the practicalities after a death can feel heavy, especially while you’re grieving. There’s no right order, no deadline, and no expectation to have everything figured out.
If you’d like help with any part of this checklist — or if you simply need someone to talk things through — our Funeral Directors are here for you, day or night.
You’re welcome to contact us whenever you feel ready.
