Discover/notify next of kin/relatives

Discover if Executor exists search will/ask relatives

If at home call doctor

If suspicious/unknown cause call police

Coroner will be informed if:

Death sudden or unexpected or cause unknown

Doctor unable to supply medical certificate if:

Other than natural cause suspected

Person in prison/police cell/mental health detention

Find will. Search house/bank/solicitors/family/friends

Discover deceased’s solicitor

Locate important documents. Go to Executor Checklist

To prevent identity theft:

Do not include age or address of deceased in announcements of death

Remove/secure deceased’s home against burglary as word of empty house spreads go to Home security Checklist

Secure all financial documents/passports from empty home

Choose a Funeral Director

Consider requests for a hospital post mortem

Consider organ donation indicated :

In will/donor card/letter/notified to DVLA

Organ donations doh.gsi.gov.uk

Register the death go to Register Death Checklist

You can arrange funeral if:

You are an executor appointed by the will

If no executor, you are the next of kin

Check will for special requests or instructions

No will? Next of kin decides

Consider viewing arrangements for body

Consider timing of funeral

Consider type of funeral/religious or not

Consider speakers/readers for service

Consider flowers/instructions for

Consider newspaper death notice but only if:

House secure/confidentiality assured

Consider how funeral will be paid for

Find out   if there is a savings plan or insurance to cover funeral cost

Obtain written quote from funeral director

The funeral arranger is responsible for the cost

Check for funeral cost insurance policy

Examine deceased resources/will to discover how payment will be made

Consider

If no one can pay for the funeral consider:

NHS or the Local Authority before booking

Consider asking funeral director for deferred payment

Go to Executor Checklist