Frequently asked questions
We’re here to help. If you’re unsure about how Farra works or what we offer, these answers might help. If not, feel free to get in touch.
About Farra
- Farra is a digital assistant that helps you manage death admin in the UK. We guide you through everything from registering a death and applying for probate to notifying banks and closing accounts—calmly, clearly, and step by step.
- Yes. You can access our checklists, guides, and support tools for free. Paid features like smart templates and reminders will be optional and clearly marked.
- Not yet. You can read everything freely. We’re adding account features soon so you can save progress and receive timely prompts.
- Absolutely. You don’t need to wait for a death to get organised. Farra can help you plan ahead, support others, or make your own wishes easier to follow.
- Yes. Most of our content applies UK-wide. We include key differences for Scotland and Northern Ireland and will continue adding region-specific guidance.
- You can email us at hello@withfarra.co.uk. We’re always happy to help or hear your feedback.
When Someone Dies
- Start by getting a medical certificate of cause of death. This allows you to register the death and begin making arrangements like the funeral.
- Yes. In the UK, a death must be registered within 5 days (8 in Scotland). This is done at the local register office where the person died.
- That’s completely normal. Farra is designed to break the process down into manageable steps. You can take your time, come back later, and share tasks with others.
Probate & Wills
- Probate is usually needed if the person owned property or had bank accounts or investments in their sole name. If everything was jointly held or of low value, you may not need it.
- You can apply online or by post. You'll need to submit a death certificate, inheritance tax forms, and the original will if there is one. A grant of probate lets you access the estate.
- If there’s no will, a close family member can apply for 'letters of administration' instead of probate. The estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules.
Notifications & Admin
- Start with government departments using Tell Us Once, then contact banks, insurers, utility providers, landlords, subscription services, and any organisations linked to the person.
- You’ll need to contact each organisation separately—banks, utilities, mobile providers, subscription services, etc. Some may request a copy of the death certificate or probate grant.
Debts & Finances
- Debts are paid from the estate before anything is passed on to beneficiaries. If there isn’t enough money to pay them all, the estate is considered insolvent and handled in a specific order of priority.
- No, family members are not personally responsible for debts unless they were a joint account holder or guarantor. Debts stay with the estate.
- You may be eligible for financial help, such as the Funeral Expenses Payment or Bereavement Support Payment. The local council may help if there are no funds or family available.