The steps below are designed to bring clarity at a time when everything else can feel uncertain
Losing someone close to you can feel overwhelming, and it’s often hard to know what needs to be done first. This simple, practical guide explains what to do when someone dies in the UK, from registering the death to arranging the funeral and checking whether a prepaid funeral plan exists.
1. Obtain the Medical Certificate
A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is required before you can register the death.
- If the person died at home, contact their GP or the out-of-hours doctor.
- If they died in a hospital, care home, or hospice, staff will arrange this for you.
- If the death was unexpected or unclear, it may be referred to the coroner.
2. Register the Death
A death must normally be registered within five days (eight days in Scotland).
Registering the death is done at the local Register Office, and you will receive:
- A Death Certificate
- A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the “green form”)
It is recommended to request several copies of the Death Certificate for dealing with financial matters later.
3. Check Whether a Funeral Plan Exists
Before arranging a funeral, it’s important to check whether the person had a prepaid funeral plan.
A funeral plan may:
- Cover some or all funeral costs
- Specify their preferred funeral director
- Set out their wishes for the service
- Reduce emotional and financial pressure on the family
You can perform a quick search using the Funeral Plan Register, which will indicate whether a plan exists and which provider holds it.
If a plan is found, the provider will contact you directly with next steps.
4. Contact a Funeral Director
If a funeral plan was found, the plan provider will explain whether you should use the funeral director named in the plan or discuss any alternatives.
If no plan exists, you can choose any funeral director. They can assist with:
- Collecting and caring for the person who has died
- Advising on burial or cremation
- Helping arrange the funeral service
- Providing a written estimate of costs
5. Notify Organisations and Services
After informing close family and friends, you may need to notify:
- Banks and building societies
- Employers
- Insurance companies
- Utility providers
- Pension providers
- Landlords or housing associations
Tell Us Once:
A government service that notifies multiple departments at the same time, including HMRC, DWP, DVLA and Passport Office.
Death Notification Service:
A free service allowing you to notify many major UK banks and building societies in one go.
6. Find the Will and Identify the Executor
A Will can clarify:
- Who the executor is
- Any funeral wishes
- How the estate should be distributed
7. Arrange the Funeral
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8. Deal With the Estate
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9. Seek Emotional and Practical Support
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Search the Funeral Plan Register from just £25. We can help you find the funeral plan of a loved one if it exists.
Quick Checklist
- Obtain a Medical Certificate
- Register the death
- Search the Funeral Plan Register
- Contact a funeral director
- Notify organisations
- Find the Will and executor
- Arrange the funeral
- Manage the estate
- Seek emotional support
Search & Register
Get started
By choosing one of the options below we can help you find the funeral plan of a loved one or register a plan so that it will never be overlooked. Plan Ahead. Reduce Stress Later.
Search for a Funeral Plan
Our service helps identify whether a plan exists and who holds it.
Register a Funeral Plan
Registering ensures your plan is not forgotten and helps your family access it when needed.