What to Do When Someone Dies in the UK: A Guide

At Golden Charter Funeral Plans, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when someone close to you dies. There’s a lot to think about at a time when emotions are high, and knowing what needs to be done can make all the difference. This guide walks you through the practical steps to take in the first day, week, and month — so you feel supported every step of the way.

What to do in the first 24 hours

The immediate hours after someone dies can feel uncertain. Here are the most urgent things to do, depending on where the death occurred.

What to do in the first 24 hours

The immediate hours after someone dies can feel uncertain. Here are the most urgent things to do, depending on where the death occurred.

1. Notify a medical professional

• At home: Call the GP or 111 if the GP is unavailable. A doctor or qualified healthcare professional will confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
• In a hospital: The bereavement office will provide the certificate and help with the next steps.
• In a care home: Staff will contact a doctor and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. They may also help notify a funeral director.
• Abroad: Register the death in the country where it occurred and contact the British Embassy for advice.

1. Inform close family and friends

When you’re ready, you may want to reach out to close relatives and friends. Their emotional support can be invaluable, and they may help with practical arrangements.

1. Contact a funeral director

If your loved one had a funeral plan, contact the funeral director named in the plan. If not, you can find a local, independent funeral director through localfuneral.co.uk.

What to do in the first week

After the initial steps, your focus will shift to registering the death and making funeral arrangements.

1. Register the death

You must register the death within:

• 5 days in England and Wales
• 8 days in Scotland

Take the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to your local register office. The registrar will issue:

• A death certificate
• A certificate for burial or cremation (known as the “green form”)
• A BD8 form to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (if applicable)

1. Use the Tell Us Once service

This free government service notifies multiple departments at once, including:

• HMRC
• DWP
• The local council
• The Passport Office and DVLA
• You’ll be offered this service when you register the death.

1. Start funeral arrangements

If a funeral plan was in place, the funeral director will follow those wishes. If not, you’ll need to decide whether the funeral will be a burial or cremation, and whether it will be attended or unattended.

1. Notify financial and service providers

• Contact the following organisations:
• Banks and building societies
• Pension providers
• Insurance companies
• Utility suppliers and broadband providers
• Online subscription services

This will help begin the process of settling the deceased’s affairs.

What to do in the first month

As time passes, your attention may turn to personal and financial matters.

1. Hold the funeral or memorial

Funerals in the UK typically take place within one or two weeks. If a funeral plan was in place, many arrangements will already be covered.

1. Cover funeral costs

If a funeral plan existed, much of the cost may already be paid

If not, funds may be available from the deceased’s estate or bank account

Financial support may also be available through government funeral payments or budgeting loans

1. Begin estate administration

If your loved one had a Will, the named executor is responsible for managing their estate. If no Will exists, the estate is distributed according to intestacy laws. A solicitor can help with either process.

1. Continue notifying organisations

Ensure you’ve cancelled or updated:

• Direct debits and standing orders
• Property or rental agreements
• Insurance policies

1. Return identification documents

• Passport: Send to HM Passport Office
• Driving licence: Return to DVLA

This helps prevent identity fraud and clears government records.

1. Stop or redirect mail

You can use services like The Bereavement Register or Mail Preference Service to stop marketing mail. You may also wish to set up mail redirection through Royal Mail.

We’re here when you need us

Losing someone you love is never easy. At Golden Charter Funeral Plans, we believe in providing practical, compassionate support when it matters most. Whether you’re looking for a funeral director, want to know what to do next, or want to explore funeral planning options, we’re here for you.

You can also visit our webpage, What to do when someone dies, for more detailed guidance.

Need help or reassurance?

Call us on 0808 169 4534 to speak with a friendly member of our team or visit goldencharter.co.uk to get a quote or learn more about our funeral plans.

However you choose to get in touch, we’re here to support you with care, dignity and respect — every step of the way.