Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Free step-by-step guides for everything after losing a loved one. Need to apply for probate? Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order.
Get startedAll guides reviewed following our editorial policy
Start with these complete guides covering entire topics from start to finish
Complete guide to death registration across the UK—5-day deadline, regional differences, required documents, and step-by-step process
Everything you need to know about UK probate from start to finish—applying, valuing estates, inheritance tax, and distributing assets
Complete 7-day timeline for arranging a funeral—choosing funeral directors, burial vs cremation, costs, and religious traditions
Timely guidance including urgent tax deadlines and seasonal support
Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief capped at £2.5m from April 6th 2026. Critical deadline for farms, businesses, and AIM portfolios.
Practical advice for surviving Valentine's Day after bereavement. Real strategies from widows and widowers, UK support services, and tips for managing grief.
How to file Self Assessment tax return for someone who died. HMRC bereavement relief, deadline extensions, executor responsibilities, and penalty cancellation.
First steps when someone dies unexpectedly in winter months. Includes winter-specific considerations, coroner process, and funeral delays during cold weather.
Current probate processing times for all UK regions. Weekly-updated data from HMCTS, how to check your application, and what causes delays.
Practical advice for surviving Mothering Sunday after losing your mum. Real coping strategies, UK support services, and guidance for managing grief.
Managing wills, probate, and the estate
Not sure if you need probate? Use this guide to understand the process and gather everything you'll need.
Probate needed if estate has property or over £50K. Joint accounts exempt. Check bank thresholds: HSBC £50K, smaller banks £15K.
Complete checklist of documents needed for probate in the UK. From death certificates to asset valuations - everything executors need to gather for probate applications.
Situations where probate isn't required, including small estates, joint assets, and nominated beneficiaries.
Step-by-step probate application process, forms needed, costs, and typical timeframes for grant of probate.
Comprehensive estate administration checklist for UK executors. Step-by-step guide covering probate, asset collection, debt payment, and distribution with timelines.
Executor powers, liabilities, estate accounts, and administration
When executors face personal liability. Distributing before paying debts, Section 27 Gazette notices, and when to consider an executor's bond.
How to handle a missing beneficiary as an executor. Tracing agencies, the Benjamin Order, paying into court, and missing beneficiary insurance.
How to apply for Letters of Administration when someone dies without a will. Priority order, the PA1A form, documents needed, and current timescales.
Whether executors can charge the estate for their time. The default rule for lay executors, professional executor fees, charging clauses, and HMRC treatment.
How to formally renounce the executor role. Form PA15, the point of no return, what happens when all executors renounce, and power reserved.
How to challenge a will in the UK. Grounds for dispute, entering a caveat, Larke v Nugus requests, the court process, and mediation as an alternative.
Bank accounts, pensions, investments, and financial assets after death
How to claim NS&I Premium Bonds after someone dies. Whether prizes are still paid, the NS&I claim process, and whether probate is required.
Can you close a fixed-rate savings account early when the account holder dies? Bank policies, documentation needed, and how to access funds.
Is the family liable for a deceased person's credit card debt? Who is responsible, how to notify the card company, and what happens to the balance.
Guide to stocks and shares ISAs after death. Tax-sheltered status, the Additional Permitted Subscription allowance for spouses, and the transfer process.
How pension death benefits work in the UK. Nomination forms, trustee discretion, death in service benefits, and what happens if there is no nomination.
How to value, transfer, and sell shares and investment portfolios as part of an estate. Quarter-up valuation, registrars, and CGT uplift on death.
Income tax, capital gains tax, council tax, and HMRC forms
How council tax changes after a partner dies. The 25% single person discount, bereavement backdating, and SMI exemption — and how to apply.
How to claim an income tax refund for a deceased person. Why refunds arise after death, the R27 form process, and HMRC timescales.
What to do with a VAT registration when a sole trader or business owner dies. HMRC notification, filing outstanding returns, and deregistering.
CGT for executors selling estate assets. The CGT uplift on death, the estate's annual exemption, 60-day reporting for property, and how to report gains.
How to complete the PA1 probate application and IHT205 for small estates below the inheritance tax threshold. Common mistakes and submission tips.
How income tax works during the estate administration period. Registering with HMRC, the SA900 form, tax rates on estate income, and when filing is not required.
IHT reliefs, exemptions, gifting rules, and the 2025–2027 Budget changes — plain English guides for estates of every size.
BPR changes from April 2026 cap relief at £2.5m combined with APR. What it means for business owners, farms, and AIM portfolios — and what planning still works.
APR changes from April 2026 cap full relief at £2.5m combined with BPR. Essential reading for farmers, landowners, and rural estate planners.
AIM shares lose 100% BPR from April 2026, dropping to 50% relief. What it means for AIM IHT portfolios, existing holdings, and alternatives to consider.
From April 2027, unspent pension funds fall into your taxable estate. Worked examples show the impact and the planning steps that can still reduce the bill.
The non-dom IHT regime changes from April 2025. The new 10-year resident rule means long-term UK residents face IHT on worldwide assets. What you need to know.
IHT nil-rate bands are frozen at £325,000 and £175,000 until April 2030. As house prices rise, many more estates will pay inheritance tax. Numbers, impact, and planning steps.
Inherited property, leasehold, tenants, and housing matters after death
What happens to a leasehold flat when the owner dies. Ongoing service charges, notifying the freeholder, transferring the lease, and insurance obligations.
What executors and landlords need to know when a tenant dies. Ending the tenancy, accessing the property, deposit returns, and disclosure obligations.
A tenant's guide when their landlord dies. Tenancy rights, who to pay rent to, repairs and maintenance, and what happens if the property is sold.
SDLT implications when inheriting or buying inherited property. The 3% surcharge, 36-month replacement window, and Scotland and Wales equivalents.
The Class F council tax exemption for a deceased person's empty property. How to apply, how long it lasts, and what happens when the exemption ends.
What happens to equity release when the borrower dies. The 12-month repayment window, negative equity guarantee, options for repayment, and dealing with lenders.
What the intestacy rules mean for every family situation — who inherits, who applies for letters of administration, and what happens next.
If you die married with no children and no will, your spouse inherits your entire estate. How the intestacy rules work, what documents are needed, and next steps.
Married with children and no will? Your spouse gets £322,000 plus personal chattels plus half the remainder. Children share the other half. Full UK intestacy rules explained.
Unmarried partners have no automatic inheritance rights under UK intestacy law — regardless of relationship length. What happens to the estate, and what you can do.
Long-term cohabiting partners have no automatic inheritance rights in England and Wales. What the law says, what you can claim, and how to protect your partner.
When someone dies without a will and no surviving spouse, children inherit equally. How UK intestacy rules divide the estate between children, and what to do next.
Stepchildren do not inherit under UK intestacy rules — only biological and legally adopted children do. What this means for blended families and how to protect all your children.
Does your bank require probate? Find the exact threshold, required documents, and bereavement contact for every major UK bank and financial institution.
Barclays probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Find out what documents Barclays requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes to release funds.
Lloyds Bank probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Find out what documents Lloyds requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes to release funds.
Halifax probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Part of Lloyds Banking Group with its own bereavement process. Learn what documents Halifax requires and how long it takes.
NatWest probate threshold is £25,000 (as of 2026) — lower than many high street banks. Find out what documents NatWest requires and how to contact their bereavement team.
HSBC probate threshold is £50,000 for most accounts (as of 2026), with some account types lower. Learn what documents HSBC requires and how to use the Direct Payment Scheme.
Nationwide Building Society probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Nationwide requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and release timelines.
What happens to a pension when someone dies — by provider, scheme type, and payment rules.
NHS pension death benefits explained: lump sum death grant, spouse's pension, nomination forms and whether probate is needed. Practical guide for bereaved families.
Teachers' Pension death benefits explained: death grant, spouse's pension, nomination forms and whether probate is needed. Guide for bereaved families.
Civil Service pension death benefits explained: lump sum death gratuity, partner's pension, nomination forms and probate. Guide for bereaved families of civil servants.
LGPS death benefits explained: lump sum grant, survivor's pension, nomination forms and whether probate is required. Guide for bereaved families.
Police pension death benefits explained: lump sum, widow's pension, nomination forms and whether probate is needed. Practical guide for bereaved families.
Firefighters' pension death benefits explained: lump sum, survivor's pension, nomination forms and probate. Guide for bereaved families of firefighters.
What happens after the grant is issued — distributing assets, estate tax returns, transferring property, and closing the estate.
The grant of probate is the starting point for active estate administration. This checklist covers the key steps: Gazette notice, collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing. UK.
The most efficient order for collecting estate assets after probate: bank accounts first, then investments, then property. Use the Death Notification Service. UK executor guide.
The estate is a separate tax entity during administration. Any income over £500 requires an SA900 return. Understand the rates, R185 forms, and HMRC registration. UK 2026.
The SA900 is the annual income tax return for estates during administration. Understand when it is required, how to register for a UTR, and the key sections. UK 2026 guide.
CGT base cost for inherited assets is the probate value. Understand the 36-month main residence relief, the 60-day reporting rule for property, and CGT rates. UK 2026.
To transfer registered property to a beneficiary, the executor uses form AS1 (Assent of registered land). No SDLT is due on a straightforward assent. UK executor guide.
The most urgent tasks in your first week
A complete guide for surviving spouses: the first few days, your finances and home, benefits you may be entitled to, and dealing with the estate.
A practical guide for adult children: registering the death, finding the will, notifying organisations, and dealing with the estate.
A practical step-by-step guide to handling death admin in the UK — from the first 5 days to dealing with the estate.
Step-by-step guide for handling a death at home, including who to call, what to expect, and immediate next steps.
Complete guide to hospital death procedures, bereavement offices, and collecting belongings and documentation.
Critical tasks for the first 24 hours after someone dies. A clear, prioritized checklist when you're overwhelmed.
Notify organisations and claim benefits
How to use the government's Tell Us Once service to notify multiple departments with a single notification.
Free services that help notify companies about a death, saving you time and reducing stress.
How to transfer or close gas, electricity, water, and other utilities after someone dies.
Complete UK death notification process guide 2026. Learn who to notify when someone dies, priority order, Tell Us Once service, timelines for banks, government, utilities, and all 40+ organisations.
Complete guide to notifying DVLA of a death in the UK. Learn how to return the driving licence, what to do with the vehicle (SORN, sell, transfer), cancel insurance, handle personalised plates, and all DVLA requirements for 2026.
Complete guide to notifying DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) of a death in the UK. Learn how to stop benefits, handle overpayments, claim Bereavement Support Payment, Tell Us Once service, and all DWP requirements for 2026.
DWP benefits, state pension, and government support after bereavement
How Universal Credit changes after a partner or spouse dies. What happens to joint claims, the bereavement run-on, and claiming as a single person.
What happens to PIP and DLA when the recipient dies. Arrears, stopping the claim, notifying the DWP, and estate recovery.
What happens to Housing Benefit when the tenant dies. Notifying the council, arrears, the estate's liability, and landlord obligations.
What happens to Attendance Allowance when the recipient dies. Claiming unpaid arrears, stopping the claim, and how quickly the DWP must be notified.
Can you inherit a spouse's State Pension? What widows and widowers are entitled to claim, the qualifying conditions, and how to apply.
How to return a Blue Badge after the holder dies. Who to contact, the deadline, and what happens to any refund for unused time.
Social media, cryptocurrency, subscriptions, and online accounts
How to cancel a deceased person's streaming and subscription services. Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, Sky, and other services — contact details and what each requires.
What happens to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency after death. Finding wallets, accessing private keys, valuing crypto for probate, and distributing digital assets.
What to do with social media accounts after someone dies. Facebook memorialisation, deleting accounts, Instagram, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn processes.
How to access or close a deceased person's email account. Gmail Inactive Account Manager, Outlook's next of kin process, and what each provider requires.
What happens to online gaming accounts and virtual items when someone dies. Transferability of digital assets, platforms' policies, and estate considerations.
Sole traders, company directors, partnerships, and employer duties
What UK employers must do when an employee dies. Final pay, death in service benefits, P45 process, informing colleagues, and supporting the team.
What happens when a sole trader dies. Business debts form part of the estate, notifying clients and HMRC, VAT deregistration, and winding up the business.
What happens to a limited company when a director dies. Share transfer, articles of association, appointing a new director, and Companies House notifications.
What happens to a business partnership when one partner dies. Partnership agreement provisions, automatic dissolution rules, and continuing the business.
Living overseas and dealing with a UK estate? Probate, inheritance tax, property sales, banking, and transferring funds — all from abroad.
Step-by-step guide for non-resident executors: swearing the oath overseas, IHT deadlines, whether you need a UK solicitor, and how to manage probate entirely from abroad.
Does UK IHT apply if the deceased lived abroad? How domicile (not residence) determines liability, the deemed domicile trap, and which assets are always caught.
Non-Resident Capital Gains Tax on inherited UK property, the 60-day HMRC reporting deadline, CGT base cost rules, and a step-by-step process for remote property sales.
Can you close UK bank accounts without travelling? Bank-by-bank guide covering what documentation to send, remote processes, small estates procedures, and getting documents certified overseas.
Do you still owe UK IHT after moving abroad? Domicile of origin, domicile of choice, the 15-year deemed domicile trap, and practical steps to reduce your UK IHT exposure.
How to move inheritance funds from the UK to Australia, Singapore, Canada, UAE or USA. HMRC clearance, double taxation, destination country tax rules, and the best transfer methods.
Confirmation in Scotland and probate in Northern Ireland — fully explained, with step-by-step process guides for each jurisdiction.
Confirmation is Scotland's legal equivalent of probate, granted by the Sheriff Clerk of the local Sheriff Court. Executor-nominate, executor-dative, and Scottish succession law explained.
Step-by-step guide to applying for confirmation in Scotland: the C1 inventory form, IHT reporting, Sheriff Clerk fees, and how long the process takes. Scottish estate administration 2026.
Not all Scottish estates require confirmation. Learn the threshold, which assets can be transferred without confirmation, and when the small estate procedure applies. 2026 guide.
How to notify banks after a death in Scotland: freezing accounts, using the Death Notification Service, and what confirmation is needed to release funds. Scottish estate guide 2026.
Scottish intestacy operates through prior rights (home, furniture, financial provision), legal rights (legitim for children), and the free estate. How Scottish intestacy differs from English rules.
An executor-dative is appointed by the Sheriff Court to administer an intestate Scottish estate. Who can apply, the cautionary obligation, and the step-by-step process. Scotland 2026.
Overseas assets, foreign nationals dying in the UK, and country-by-country guides for cross-border estate administration.
What happens when a UK citizen dies owning French property? This guide covers French succession law, EU Succession Regulation 650/2012, how to deal with the notaire, and UK IHT on foreign property.
How is Spanish property dealt with when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers Spanish succession law, the notario process, Spanish inheritance tax, and how to use EU Succession Regulation 650/2012.
What happens to Irish assets when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers Irish succession law, Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT), how to obtain Irish probate, and the interaction with UK IHT.
How is US property dealt with when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers US federal estate tax, state probate, the UK–US estate tax treaty, and how to administer a US estate from the UK.
What happens to Australian assets when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers Australian probate (re-sealing), no inheritance tax in Australia, and how to deal with superannuation and Australian property.
How are New Zealand assets dealt with when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers New Zealand probate, re-sealing under the Colonial Probates Act 1892, and the absence of inheritance tax in New Zealand.
Contesting a will, challenging an executor, Inheritance Act 1975 claims, and resolving estate disputes.
An introduction to contentious probate: what it covers, the two main types of dispute (will validity challenges and Inheritance Act claims), the courts involved, costs, and the first steps to take.
The five legal grounds for contesting a will in England and Wales: lack of testamentary capacity, lack of valid execution, undue influence, fraud and forgery, and lack of knowledge and approval. What each means and what you need to prove.
How to challenge a will on the grounds of lack of testamentary capacity. This guide covers the Banks v Goodfellow (1870) four-part test, what evidence is needed, the golden rule for solicitors, and the practical steps to bring a claim.
How to prove undue influence in a will challenge. This guide explains the strict legal test (coercion, not persuasion), the absence of any presumption in will cases, what circumstantial evidence courts consider, and why these claims are so difficult to win.
How to challenge a will on grounds of fraud or forgery. This guide covers will forgery, fraudulent calumny, procuring a will by fraud, the evidence needed, and why there is no limitation period for probate obtained by fraud.
A step-by-step guide to entering a caveat at the Probate Registry in England and Wales. This guide covers what a caveat does, who can enter one, the cost (£3), duration (6 months), and what happens when the executor issues a Warning Notice.
Complex and niche scenarios — death in care homes, insolvent estates, death during divorce, equity release, and more.
What happens to a care home resident's estate after death? Understand deprivation of assets rules, local authority clawback, and how to protect the estate. UK 2026 guide.
If someone dies while their divorce is pending, does the will still apply? Understand gifts to spouses, TOLATA claims, and how the estate is administered. UK 2026 guide.
What happens if someone dies during the conveyancing process? Can the executor proceed with the sale or purchase? UK executor guide 2026.
What happens to an equity release mortgage after death? Executors have 12 months to repay. Understand the NNEG guarantee, interest roll-up, and next steps. UK 2026.
A shared ownership lease can be inherited, but housing association pre-emption rights apply. Understand the probate process for shared ownership. UK 2026 guide.
Dealing with leasehold property in a probate estate? Understand short lease risks, lease extension during administration, and the conveyancing process. UK 2026 guide.
Arranging funerals and memorial services
Compare funeral costs across all UK regions. See average prices for London, Manchester, Scotland, Wales & more with regional price breakdowns.
Practical ways to reduce funeral costs without compromising dignity. Expert money-saving strategies and budget alternatives to save £1,000+.
Complete guide to paying for a funeral in installments. Compare payment plans, loans, government benefits, and financing options.
Learn how to compare funeral director prices effectively. Get multiple quotes, spot hidden costs, and save £1,000+ on identical services.
Costs, timeframes, and considerations for burial vs cremation, including religious and environmental factors.
What direct cremation involves, costs, pros and cons, and how to arrange a separate memorial service.
Islamic burial requirements, ghusl, janazah prayers, and Sharia-compliant funeral planning
Complete guide to Muslim burial requirements in the UK. Islamic funeral rules, Sharia law compliance, burial timing, cemetery requirements, and what families need to know.
Complete guide to Islamic funeral rites and traditions in the UK. Ghusl, kafan, Janazah prayers, burial customs, and mourning practices explained.
Find Muslim cemeteries and Islamic burial grounds across the UK. Directory of Muslim sections in cemeteries, dedicated Islamic burial sites, and what to look for.
Complete guide to Ghusl, the Islamic ritual washing of the deceased. Step-by-step procedure, who can perform it, what's needed, and where to arrange it in the UK.
Complete guide to Salat al-Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer. How it's performed, who should attend, what to recite, and funeral prayer etiquette in the UK.
Complete guide to Muslim burial costs in the UK. Cemetery fees, funeral director prices, ghusl costs, and ways to reduce expenses while meeting Islamic requirements.
Jewish funeral customs, Chevra Kadisha, shiva, and burial traditions
Hindu funeral rites, cremation customs, antyesti rituals, and mourning practices
Sikh funeral customs, Antam Sanskar, Akhand Path, and cremation traditions
Christian funeral traditions, church services, and religious customs
Buddhist funeral rites, traditions, and arranging services in the UK
Bahá'í funeral rites, burial requirements, and customs in the UK
Greek, Russian, and Serbian Orthodox funeral traditions in the UK
Nature-based funeral ceremonies and Pagan customs in the UK
Rastafarian funeral traditions and customs in the UK
Zoroastrian Parsi funeral traditions and arrangements in the UK
Afro-Caribbean funeral customs, Nine Nights, and traditions in the UK
Chinese funeral traditions, customs, and arranging services in the UK
Browse 586 additional guides
Essential guidance for deaths overseas including consular support, repatriation, and international paperwork.
Know exactly who to contact and in what order, from emergency services to funeral directors and family.
Everything you need to know about registering a death, including documents, timelines, and local registrars.
Specific requirements for death registration in England and Wales, including online booking and required documents.
Learn how many death certificate copies you need, who requires originals vs copies, and how to order them.
Understanding the MCCD, how to obtain it from doctors, and what to do if there are delays or complications.
Which deaths are referred to the coroner, what happens during an investigation, and how long the process takes.
Step-by-step guide to notifying banks after a death in the UK. What documents you need, how to access funds before probate, joint accounts, funeral payment releases, and full timeline.
Good news: Joint accounts transfer automatically. Access funds immediately, no probate. Update name in 7 days. Full UK rights guide 2026.
Close bank accounts fast. Learn when probate isn't needed, get free letter template. Small estates under £5K simplified. UK guide 2026.
Worried about inheriting debts? Learn who pays deceased's debts. Estate pays first, not you. Priority debt order + creditor letter templates.
Options for releasing money from the estate before probate, including bank procedures and government help.
Eligibility, how to claim, payment amounts, and what happens to other benefits when you receive BSP.
Which benefits end immediately, what needs to be repaid, and how to notify DWP about a death.
Immediate financial support available after a death, from government schemes to charity assistance.
Arrange a funeral in 7 days. Step-by-step guide: register death, choose funeral director, plan service. Get 3 quotes and save £1,000s.
Don't overpay! Compare 3 funeral directors. Ask these 12 questions, check transparent pricing. Spot red flags and pressure tactics.
Need affordable cremation? Compare 20+ UK providers from £995. Honest reviews, hidden costs exposed. Save £1,000s instantly.
Complete guide to affordable funerals in the UK. Compare costs for direct cremation, simple burials, and budget-friendly options.
Essential questions to ask funeral directors before booking. Price transparency, service questions, red flags to watch for.
Complete funeral planning checklist for the UK. From death to funeral day, with timeline, budget planning, and downloadable checklist.
Creative funeral service ideas for the UK. Traditional vs modern services, personalization ideas, music, readings, and celebrant options.
Top 20 popular funeral songs, classical pieces, modern alternatives, and how to choose the right music for the service.
Complete guide to creating funeral order of service booklets. What to include, template examples, design tips, and printing options.
Who inherits when there's no will, intestacy rules explained, and how to apply for letters of administration.
Common places to search for a will, using the National Will Register, and what to do if you can't find one.
Learn how to write a legally valid will in the UK. Legal requirements, what to include, DIY vs solicitor costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
Complete UK inheritance tax guide 2026/27. Nil-rate band £325K, RNRB £175K, 40% rate. 7-year gifting rule, exemptions, and how to calculate IHT.
Find out if you need probate in the UK. Property always needs probate. Small estates under £5K-£50K may not (depends on bank). Joint assets exempt.
What happens to digital assets after death? Handle social media, email, cloud storage, cryptocurrency, online banking. Complete executor guide.
Should you do probate yourself or use a solicitor? Complete cost comparison: DIY £273-£800 vs Solicitor £1,500-£10,000+. Time, risk, and decision framework.
Ultimate step-by-step probate guide: 10-stage process, realistic timelines (6-18 months), complete costs (DIY vs solicitor), IHT forms, executor duties, common problems & solutions.
Current IHT thresholds, who needs to pay, exemptions, and how to calculate what's owed on an estate.
The November 2025 Budget confirmed IHT changes. Learn what was announced, what the rumours got wrong, and what it means for bereaved families.
From April 2027, unused pension funds will be subject to inheritance tax. Learn what's changing and how it affects bereaved families.
How gifts before death are taxed, taper relief rates, exempt gifts, and what executors need to report on IHT forms.
The IHT nil-rate band has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009. Learn how fiscal drag affects estates and what it means for families.
From April 2026, Agricultural Property Relief is capped at £1 million. Learn how this affects family farms and what executors need to know.
HMRC charges 8.75% interest on unpaid inheritance tax. Learn how to pay IHT before probate and avoid unnecessary interest charges.
Start 2026 with your affairs in order. Essential estate planning guide covering wills, LPAs, and critical IHT changes before April 2026.
What do funerals cost in 2026? Average UK funeral costs now exceed £5,000. Complete breakdown with money-saving tips.
What cohabiting partners are entitled to, how to make claims, and the importance of wills for unmarried couples.
Immediate steps for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies to ensure business continuity.
How to protect empty property, insurance considerations, utilities, and security measures to prevent issues.
Immediate care for deceased's pets, finding new homes, pet trusts, and veterinary considerations.
Comprehensive day-by-day guide for the first week, prioritizing urgent tasks and managing overwhelming responsibilities.
A clear, prioritised list of organisations and services you may need to contact after a death.
How to cancel car insurance when someone dies in the UK. Required documents, refunds, spouse transfers, and what happens to the car. Updated 2026.
Complete guide to death registration in Scotland, including 8-day deadline, National Records procedures, and key differences from England/Wales.
Essential guide to GRONI death registration procedures, required documents, 5-day timeline, and how Northern Ireland differs from GB.
Understanding the new Medical Examiner system introduced in 2024, what to expect from the ME review, and how it affects death registration.
Clear guide to qualified informants who can legally register a death, priority order, and what to do in complex family situations.
What happens if you miss the death registration deadline, how to register late, penalties, and valid reasons for delays.
How bank holidays and weekends affect death registration deadlines, emergency procedures, and planning around public holidays.
How to fix mistakes on death certificates, qualification procedures, authorized corrections, and what errors can and cannot be changed.
Types of post-mortems, when they're required, what happens during the procedure, religious considerations, and timeline implications.
Complete guide to coroner's inquests, who attends, the hearing process, giving evidence, and possible outcomes.
Legal rights as an interested person, accessing reports, legal representation, and how to raise concerns during the investigation.
Realistic timelines for different types of coroner investigations, what causes delays, and how to get updates on case progress.
How and when the coroner releases the body for funeral, interim death certificates, religious requirements, and expedited release.
All possible coroner conclusions explained, from natural causes to unlawful killing, and what each verdict means for the family.
How to challenge a coroner's verdict or decision, judicial review process, new inquest applications, and when to seek legal advice.
What happens when someone dies in a care home, care home responsibilities, certification process, and family rights.
Complete guide to environmentally friendly funeral options in the UK, including costs, providers, and how to plan a green funeral with minimal environmental impact.
Complete guide to woodland burial in the UK, including how it works, costs, finding sites, environmental benefits, and planning a natural burial service.
Complete guide to humanist funerals in the UK, including what happens, costs, finding celebrants, and planning a meaningful non-religious ceremony.
Complete guide to arranging a DIY funeral in the UK without a funeral director, including legal requirements, costs, practical steps, and what you need to know.
Complete guide to direct burial in the UK, including costs, process, how to arrange, pros and cons of unattended burial without a service.
Which funeral director services operate during Christmas and New Year. Emergency contact numbers, 24/7 availability, and what to expect over the holidays.
How to arrange a funeral during Christmas and New Year. Bank holiday closures, funeral director availability, crematorium schedules, and practical advice.
How to register a death during Christmas and New Year. Registrar office closures, emergency registration, calculating deadlines with bank holidays.
Emotional support, practical advice, and coping strategies for losing someone during Christmas. How to handle grief when others are celebrating.
Complete guide to crematorium closures during Christmas and New Year. Bank holiday dates, booking around closures, and alternative arrangements.
Find trusted funeral directors in London. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Manchester. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Birmingham. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Leeds. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Liverpool. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Glasgow. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Edinburgh. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and Scottish funeral customs.
Find trusted funeral directors in Bristol. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Sheffield. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Newcastle upon Tyne. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes. Average costs and local crematoriums.
Find trusted funeral directors in Cardiff. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and Welsh funeral customs.
Find trusted funeral directors in Nottingham. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Leicester. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Southampton. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Belfast. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Aberdeen. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Plymouth. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Cambridge. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Oxford. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Reading. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple providers. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Brighton & Hove. Compare prices, read reviews, and get quotes. Average costs and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Bradford. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Coventry. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Sunderland. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Hull (Kingston upon Hull). Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs and local crematoriums.
Find trusted funeral directors in Wolverhampton. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Stoke-on-Trent. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Derby. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in Swansea. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and Welsh funeral customs.
Find trusted funeral directors in Portsmouth. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Find trusted funeral directors in York. Compare prices, read reviews, and get 3 free quotes. Average costs, local crematoriums, and what to expect.
Complete guide to arranging same-day or next-day burial in the UK. How to meet Islamic requirements for swift burial, documentation needed, and step-by-step process.
Find Muslim funeral directors across the UK. What services they offer, questions to ask, costs to expect, and how to choose the right Islamic funeral service.
Guide to Islamic inheritance rules and writing a Sharia-compliant will in the UK. Faraid inheritance shares, wasiyyah limits, and how UK law interacts with Islamic requirements.
Complete guide to repatriating a body for Muslim burial abroad. Costs, documentation, embalming requirements, and step-by-step process for sending a body from the UK.
Learn the proper Islamic condolence phrases, what to say (and avoid saying) when a Muslim dies, and how to support bereaved Muslim families in the UK.
Understand the Islamic perspective on organ donation in the UK. Scholarly opinions, the opt-out system, and how to make an informed decision as a Muslim.
Inherited property? Decide whether to keep, sell, or rent. Tax implications, CGT, SDLT relief, mortgage options, and step-by-step process.
Complete guide to selling inherited property: when you can sell, probate requirements, Capital Gains Tax, empty property issues, estate agent vs auction.
Inherited property with mortgage? Your options, mortgage liability, taking over payments, selling with mortgage, insurance claims, and tax implications.
How to claim life insurance after death: required documents, claim timeline, beneficiary rights, trusts, disputed claims, and common rejection reasons.
How to claim deceased pensions: finding pensions, beneficiary claims, lump sums vs income, tax implications, pension freedom rules, and timeline.
How to contest a will: valid grounds, who can contest, caveat process, mediation vs court, costs £3K-£100K+, success rates, and timeline.
Executor won't act or communicate? Your rights, removing executors, court proceedings, delays, disputes, and alternative solutions.
Executor's guide to deceased tax returns: who must file, final tax return deadlines, claiming refunds, reporting income after death, HMRC notification.
What happens to ISAs, stocks and shares after death? Additional Permitted Subscription for spouse, valuation, CGT, transfer process, claiming dividends.
Inherited property with tenants? Your landlord obligations, taking over tenancy, deposit protection, rental income tax, selling with tenants, eviction rights.
Do you pay Capital Gains Tax on inherited property? CGT rates, Private Residence Relief, lettings relief, CGT allowance, how to calculate CGT on property sale after death.
How to transfer property ownership after death: Land Registry forms (AS1, DJP, AP1), probate requirements, changing deeds, joint tenants vs tenants in common, fees and timeline.
How to value an estate for probate: property valuation, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, debts, IHT205 vs IHT400, excepted estates, HMRC requirements.
Can you live in inherited property rent-free? Executor rights, beneficiary occupancy rules, council tax, CGT relief, permission needed, living there during probate.
How to clear a house after someone dies: sorting belongings, what to keep, house clearance costs, selling vs donating, emotional support, timeline and checklist.
What is Residence Nil-Rate Band? £175K extra IHT allowance when passing home to children. RNRB eligibility, taper threshold, downsizing relief, how to claim.
Probate timeline UK: how long from death to grant of probate to distributing estate. Average 3-12 months. Delays, speeding up probate, what affects timeline.
How to complete IHT400 Inheritance Tax form: step-by-step guide, schedules needed, common mistakes, IHT400 vs IHT205, deadlines, submitting to HMRC.
What happens to mortgage when someone dies? Who pays mortgage debt? Life insurance payout, joint mortgages, selling vs keeping property, mortgage protection insurance.
Am I liable for deceased partner's debt? Joint debt responsibility, joint credit cards, joint loans, joint bank accounts, when you're not liable, protecting yourself.
Guide to biodegradable and eco-friendly coffin options in the UK. Materials, costs, suitability for burial and cremation, and where to buy.
Comprehensive guide to the probate process in the UK for 2025. How to apply, timescales, costs, and distributing the estate.
How to find and compare funeral directors in the UK. What to look for, questions to ask, accreditation bodies, and how to get multiple quotes.
Full cost breakdown for green and eco funerals in the UK 2026. Natural burial, green cremation, biodegradable coffins, and what's included in each option.
How to plan a green, eco-friendly funeral in the UK. Natural burial grounds, biodegradable coffins, carbon footprint, and finding ethical providers.
Step-by-step guide to writing a valid will in the UK for 2025. Legal requirements, what to include, DIY vs solicitor, and storing your will safely.
Complete guide to inheritance tax in the UK for 2025–26. Nil-rate band, reliefs, how to calculate IHT, and how to pay HMRC.
Directory of natural and woodland burial grounds across the UK. How they work, costs, what's permitted, and how to find one near you.
When probate is required in the UK in 2025. Asset thresholds by bank and institution, small estate rules, and how to avoid probate where possible.
What is resomation (water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis)? Availability in the UK, costs, environmental benefits, and how it compares to traditional cremation.
How to find unknown or dormant bank accounts belonging to someone who has died. My Lost Account service, Dormant Assets Scheme, and NS&I tracing.
What happens to a defined benefit (final salary) pension when the member dies. Survivor's pension, lump sum, and how to make a claim.
Received a DWP letter demanding repayment of benefits after a death? What the estate owes, whether family are personally liable, and how to challenge the claim.
How to find and claim an endowment policy as part of an estate. Tracing old policies, contacting insurers, and the tax treatment of payouts.
How to claim a life insurance policy written in trust. Why it bypasses the estate and probate, the claim process, and common problems to watch for.
Can you take over a council tenancy when the tenant dies? Succession rights, the one-succession rule, eligibility, and applying to the local authority.
How Pension Credit and council tax reduction change when a partner dies. The 12-week bereavement run-on, single person discount, and how to reclaim.
How to apply for a DWP Funeral Expenses Payment. Eligibility, how much is paid, the SF200 claim form, the 6-month deadline, and estate recovery.
What happens to personal loans when someone dies. Who is responsible, whether family are liable, how to notify the lender, and insolvent estate rules.
Inherited a property with planning enforcement notices or unlawful extensions? Your legal position, immunity rules, and options for executors and beneficiaries.
What happens to a Right to Buy application when the tenant dies. Who can continue it, discount preservation, and the 5-year clawback rule.
Practical guide to inheriting agricultural property in the UK. Rural Payments Agency notifications, tenanted vs owner-occupied land, and Agricultural Property Relief.
What happens to a tenants-in-common property share when one owner dies. How it passes via will or intestacy, TOLATA disputes, and Land Registry updates.
The surviving spouse's rights when the house was in the deceased's name only. Home rights, probate requirements, and what happens if the will leaves the house elsewhere.
What happens to an HMO licence when the landlord dies. The 28-day rule, applying for a temporary exemption, executor obligations, and tenant rights.
Do beneficiaries pay tax on inherited money or assets? The difference between IHT (paid by the estate) and personal tax obligations for beneficiaries.
How to claim BPR on private company shares after death. The 2-year ownership rule, trading vs investment company tests, and the excepted assets trap.
What a deed of variation is and how it works. Redirecting inherited assets within 2 years of death to reduce IHT, the rules for minors, and how it affects RNRB.
Which HMRC team to contact after a death. Bereavement helpline, PAYE vs Self Assessment, the IHT team, and realistic response time expectations.
How to open an estate account to manage estate funds. Which banks offer them, what documentation is needed, and how to keep accurate executor accounts.
How to administer an insolvent estate where debts exceed assets. Priority order for creditors, the 1986 Order, when to use an insolvency practitioner.
When to use a solicitor for estate administration. Simple DIY estates vs complex ones, typical solicitor fees, and the grant-only service option.
What actions executors can legally take before the Grant of Probate. Arranging the funeral, notifying organisations, and what cannot be done without a grant.
How a celebration of life differs from a traditional funeral. Timing, venues, legal requirements, costs, and how to combine elements from both.
Rules for gravestones and memorials in churchyards and cemeteries. Size, material, wording restrictions, approval processes, costs, and the waiting period.
How to repatriate a body to the UK after a death overseas. The FCDO, required documents, specialist funeral directors, timescales, and typical costs.
Free funeral services for children and babies in the UK. The Children's Funeral Fund, what is and isn't covered, stillbirths, and charitable support.
The law on scattering ashes in the UK. Private land, rivers, the sea, National Parks, gardens of remembrance, and what permissions are needed.
Is it legal to keep a body at home before the funeral? Your rights, temperature management, practical considerations, and home funeral guides.
Everything about wicker coffins in the UK. Materials, costs, suitability for cremation and burial, UK suppliers, and how to specify one to a funeral director.
How long a coroner can delay a funeral. Typical timescales, the interim death certificate, requesting early release of the body, and when to escalate.
What protection exists when a pre-paid funeral plan company collapses. FCA regulation, the Funeral Planning Authority, and how to protect your plan.
How to plan a non-religious funeral in the UK. Celebrants, humanist funerals, civil ceremonies, music, readings, and creating a personalised service.
How Child Benefit changes when a parent or claiming carer dies. Transferring the claim to the surviving parent, orphan payments, and HMRC notification.
What war widow's pension and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments bereaved families can claim. Eligibility, how to apply, and current rates.
How to notify HMRC and former employers after a death. NI credits, P45 process, employer death-in-service benefits, and what information is needed.
How to get a free will in the UK. Free Wills Month, charity schemes, online will services, and what free will services include and exclude.
What happens to an LPA when the donor dies. Why LPAs automatically end at death, what replaces them, and how to deal with organisations that ask for an LPA.
How to register an LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian. Forms, fees, timescales, and what to do if you need to use an LPA urgently.
Who can legally witness a will in the UK. The rules about beneficiaries witnessing, remote witnessing, and what happens if the witnessing was invalid.
What happens under intestacy when an unmarried partner dies without a will. Why cohabiting couples inherit nothing by default, and what options exist.
Are handwritten wills legal in the UK? Formal requirements for a valid will, when handwritten wills fail, and what to do if you find one.
How to transfer a property into a beneficiary's name at Land Registry after probate. The AP1 form, assent, fees, and the process for executors.
What is a statutory will and when the Court of Protection will make one. The application process, who can apply, costs, and timescales.
What happens when no one claims an estate. Bona vacantia, the Treasury Solicitor's list, how to search for unclaimed estates, and how to make a claim.
What bereavement leave you are legally entitled to in the UK. Parental bereavement leave, compassionate leave, employer policies, and your rights if leave is refused.
Free grief counselling and bereavement support services in the UK. NHS referrals, Cruse Bereavement Support, online resources, and how to access help.
How to tell children about a death in age-appropriate ways. What children at different ages understand, words to use and avoid, and UK support resources.
How to return to work after bereavement. Phased return rights, communicating with your employer, managing colleagues' reactions, and support available.
The physical symptoms of grief and how bereavement affects the body. Fatigue, chest pain, immune system changes, and when to seek medical help.
How to sort through a deceased person's belongings. When to start, what to keep, donating and selling, practical tips, and how to manage the emotional impact.
How to cope with grief around anniversaries, birthdays, and significant dates. Strategies for managing difficult days and UK support services.
The unique nature of losing a parent as an adult. Identity shifts, anticipatory grief, executor responsibilities, and support resources for adult children.
How to challenge or appeal a coroner's inquest verdict in the UK. Judicial review, the Chief Coroner, grounds for challenge, and timescales and costs.
Santander probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Find out what documents Santander requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes to release funds.
Monzo probate threshold is £10,000 (as of 2026) — lower than most traditional banks. Learn how Monzo's digital bereavement process works and what documents are required.
Starling Bank probate threshold is £10,000 (as of 2026). Learn how Starling's digital bereavement process works, what documents are required, and how long it takes.
Revolut does not publish a fixed probate threshold. In practice, probate is typically required for any meaningful balance. Learn how to contact Revolut's bereavement support.
Chase UK probate threshold is £25,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Chase UK requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes to release funds.
TSB probate threshold is £25,000 (as of 2026). Find out what documents TSB requires, how to contact their bereavement helpline, and how long it takes to release funds.
First Direct probate threshold is £25,000 (as of 2026). A division of HSBC UK with its own bereavement process. Learn what documents are required and expected timelines.
Virgin Money probate threshold is £35,000 (as of 2026). Find out what documents Virgin Money requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long funds take to release.
Metro Bank probate threshold is £25,000 (as of 2026). Metro Bank has 7-day stores for in-person support. Learn what documents are required and expected release timelines.
Co-op Bank probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Find out what documents Co-op Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long funds take to release.
Post Office Savings probate threshold is £30,000 (as of 2026). Products are provided by Bank of Ireland UK. Learn what documents are required and how to begin the process.
Hargreaves Lansdown always requires probate for investment accounts. Cash accounts require probate above £10,000. Learn what documents HL requires and how long the process takes.
Fidelity always requires probate for investment accounts. Find out what documents they need, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes.
AJ Bell always requires probate for investment accounts. Discover their bereavement process, required documents, DNS status, and typical timelines.
NS&I requires probate for estates with over £5,000 in NS&I holdings. Learn the rules for Premium Bonds, what documents NS&I need, and how to claim.
Scottish Widows pensions bypass probate; savings and bonds have a ~£50,000 threshold. Find out what documents to send and how to contact their bereavement team.
Aviva has one of the highest probate thresholds at £100,000 for life insurance and bonds. Learn the full bereavement process and documents required.
Legal & General investment bonds have a ~£36,000 probate threshold. Pensions bypass probate entirely. Find out the full bereavement process and timeline.
Prudential bonds have a ~£30,000 probate threshold; pensions bypass probate. Learn what documents Prudential need and how to contact their bereavement team.
Standard Life investment bonds have a ~£36,000 probate threshold; pensions bypass probate. Learn the full bereavement process, documents needed, and timelines.
Royal London has a ~£36,000 probate threshold for investment bonds; pensions bypass probate. Discover documents required, DNS status, and fund release timelines.
Zurich pensions bypass probate; investment bonds and policies have a ~£30,000 threshold. Learn the bereavement process, required documents, and typical timelines.
Aegon investment accounts always require probate; pensions bypass probate. Learn what documents Aegon need, their bereavement contact details, and fund release timelines.
NEST pension death benefits bypass probate entirely and are paid to nominated beneficiaries. Find out how to claim, what documents NEST need, and how long it takes.
Vanguard always requires probate for investment accounts. Learn their bereavement process, required documents, DNS participation status, and typical fund release timelines.
M&G Investments has a ~£36,000 threshold for some products; investment accounts above this always require probate. Learn the documents needed and bereavement process.
abrdn investment accounts have a ~£36,000 probate threshold. Learn what documents abrdn require, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Interactive Investor (ii) always requires probate for investment accounts. Learn their bereavement process, required documents, and typical timelines for releasing funds.
Nutmeg always requires probate for investment accounts. Find out what documents you need, how to contact Nutmeg's bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Moneybox has a ~£5,000 threshold for cash accounts; pensions bypass probate. Learn the bereavement process, what documents you need, and how long fund release takes.
Freetrade always requires a grant of probate for investment accounts — there is no small-estate threshold. Learn what documents Freetrade requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes to release assets.
Trading 212 always requires probate for investment accounts. Learn what documents Trading 212 requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes to release assets.
Triodos Bank's probate threshold is approximately £25,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Triodos requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Yorkshire Building Society's probate threshold is £30,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents YBS requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Skipton Building Society's probate threshold is £30,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Skipton requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
West Bromwich Building Society's probate threshold is approximately £15,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents West Brom requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Newcastle Building Society's probate threshold is approximately £15,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Newcastle BS requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Investec's probate threshold is £20,000 for savings; investment accounts always require probate. Learn what documents Investec requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Tesco Bank's probate threshold is £50,000 — one of the highest in UK retail banking. Learn what documents Tesco Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Sainsbury's Bank's probate threshold is approximately £20,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Sainsbury's Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
M&S Bank's probate threshold is £15,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents M&S Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Ford Money's probate threshold is approximately £15,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Ford Money requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Atom Bank's probate threshold is £5,000 (as of 2026) — one of the lowest among UK digital banks. Learn what documents Atom Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Paragon Bank's probate threshold is approximately £20,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Paragon Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
ICICI Bank UK's probate threshold is approximately £5,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents ICICI Bank UK requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Aldermore Bank's probate threshold is approximately £15,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Aldermore requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Charter Savings Bank's probate threshold is approximately £15,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Charter Savings Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Shawbrook Bank's probate threshold is approximately £15,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Shawbrook Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Zopa Bank's probate threshold is approximately £10,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Zopa Bank requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
Named as executor in a will? Learn your first 10 steps: registering the death, locating the will, valuing the estate, and applying for probate. UK 2026 guide.
Can't find the will? Search the National Wills Register, solicitors, banks, and estate of the deceased. What to do if no will is found. UK executor guide 2026.
How to get a probate property valuation in the UK: RICS Red Book surveyor, estate agent letters, and HMRC's accepted methods. Avoid underpayment penalties. 2026 guide.
How to value shares, unit trusts, and investment portfolios for probate using the quarter-up rule. Step-by-step guide for executors with examples. UK 2026.
How to value Cash ISAs and Stocks & Shares ISAs for probate. What happens to ISA status on death, the APS spousal allowance, and how to report to HMRC. UK 2026.
How to value defined benefit and defined contribution pensions for probate. What value to report to HMRC, IHT treatment, and how to claim pension death benefits.
How to value a sole trader business, partnership share, or company for probate and IHT. Business Property Relief explained. UK executor guide 2026.
How to value jewellery, artwork, antiques, and collectibles for probate. When to use an auction house, specialist valuer, or jeweller. HMRC reporting explained.
Complete guide to filing IHT400 with HMRC: who needs to file, schedules required, step-by-step walkthrough, and common mistakes. IHT205 abolished from 2024.
How to pay inheritance tax before probate is granted using the Direct Payment Scheme (IHT423). Which banks participate, how to apply, and avoiding HMRC interest.
PA1P is for probate with a will; PA1A is for letters of administration without a will. Complete guide to both forms, what to include, and how to submit. UK 2026.
How to close and collect funds from bank accounts after probate is granted. What to send each bank, timelines, and what to do with the proceeds. UK executor guide.
How to transfer or sell shares, unit trusts, and investment portfolios after probate. Contacting registrars, completing stock transfer forms, and recording proceeds.
How to claim pension death benefits as executor. Difference between discretionary and nominated beneficiaries, IHT treatment, and the claims process. UK 2026 guide.
Why executors must advertise for creditors in The Gazette and a local newspaper, how to place the notice, the 2-month waiting period, and how it protects you from personal liability.
The legal order of priority for paying estate debts: funeral expenses, secured creditors, preferential creditors, and unsecured creditors. Executor liability explained.
How to distribute estate proceeds to beneficiaries correctly. Interim and final distributions, receipts, tax clearance, the executor's year, and protecting yourself from liability.
How to complete the AS1 Land Registry assent form to transfer a property to a beneficiary after probate. Step-by-step guide, fees, and common mistakes to avoid.
When you need to file an SA900 estate income tax return, how to complete it, deadlines, and what income to report during estate administration. UK HMRC guide 2026.
What executor final accounts must contain, how to prepare them, the format to use, and when beneficiaries can demand them. UK estate administration guide 2026.
Can a deed of variation undo gifts made before the 2025 Budget? What deeds of variation can and cannot do for IHT planning, with worked examples.
Despite Budget changes, gifting remains the most powerful IHT tool available. Annual exemptions, gifts out of income, PETs, and more — what still works in 2025/26.
A life insurance policy written in trust pays out outside your estate, avoiding IHT on the proceeds. How trusts work, which to use, and the steps to set one up.
Unused nil-rate band and RNRB from a deceased spouse transfers to the survivor, potentially doubling the IHT-free threshold to £1m. How it works and how to claim it.
Taper relief reduces IHT on gifts made 3–7 years before death. Worked examples for every year window show exactly how much tax is saved — and common misconceptions explained.
Discretionary trusts face a 10-year periodic IHT charge and an exit charge when assets leave. How the calculations work, what rates apply, and when trusts still make sense.
Leaving 10% of your net estate to charity reduces the IHT rate from 40% to 36%. How to calculate if it is worthwhile, how to structure the legacy, and worked examples.
Regular gifts from surplus income are completely exempt from IHT with no annual limit. How the exemption works, what HMRC requires, and how to document it correctly.
The way you jointly own property affects IHT on death. Joint tenants pass by survivorship; tenants in common pass by will. Which is better for IHT planning?
From April 2025, IHT liability is based on residence not domicile. Non-doms resident for 10+ years face IHT on worldwide assets under the new long-term resident rules.
A gift with reservation of benefit stays in your estate for IHT. The classic example is giving away your home but continuing to live in it. How HMRC treats these gifts.
The pre-owned asset charge applies an income tax charge when you give away an asset and continue to benefit from it. How POAT works, how it interacts with GWR, and planning options.
A comprehensive 20-step IHT planning checklist for 2025/26. Covers gifting, trusts, nil-rate bands, insurance, charitable legacies, and the new Budget changes.
Armed Forces pension death benefits explained: lump sum, survivor's GIP, nomination forms and probate. Guide for bereaved military families.
USS pension death benefits explained: lump sum, spouse's pension, nomination forms and probate. Guide for bereaved families of university staff.
NEST pension death benefits explained: how the pot is paid out, nomination forms, tax treatment and whether probate is needed. Guide for bereaved families.
The People's Pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and whether probate is required. Guide for bereaved families.
NOW: Pensions death benefits explained: how the pot is paid out, nomination forms, tax treatment and whether probate is needed. Guide for bereaved families.
Royal London pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and whether probate is needed. Guide for bereaved families.
Scottish Widows pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and probate. Practical guide for bereaved families.
Aviva pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and whether probate is needed. Guide for bereaved families.
Legal & General pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and probate. Guide for bereaved families.
Prudential pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and whether probate is required. Guide for bereaved families.
Standard Life pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and probate. Practical guide for bereaved families.
Zurich pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and whether probate is needed. Guide for bereaved families.
Aegon pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and probate. Practical guide for bereaved families.
HL SIPP death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, inherited drawdown, tax treatment and probate. Comprehensive guide for bereaved families.
Vanguard SIPP death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and probate. Clear guide for bereaved families.
AJ Bell SIPP death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, inherited drawdown, tax treatment and probate. Guide for bereaved families.
Fidelity SIPP death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, inherited drawdown, tax treatment and probate. Guide for bereaved families.
Interactive Investor SIPP death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and probate. Guide for bereaved families.
Moneybox pension death benefits explained: fund payout, nomination forms, tax treatment and whether probate is needed. Guide for bereaved families.
If you separate but never legally divorce, your spouse retains full inheritance rights under UK intestacy law. What this means for your estate and how to protect yourself.
After divorce, your ex-spouse loses all intestacy rights. After remarriage, your new spouse inherits. Children from the first marriage may be left with little. UK intestacy law explained.
When children predecease a grandparent who dies without a will, grandchildren may inherit by representation. How the intestacy rules work when only grandchildren survive.
When someone dies without a will and there is no spouse, children, or parents, siblings become the next of kin and inherit equally. UK intestacy rules for siblings explained.
When a care home resident dies without a will, their estate may face council scrutiny for deprivation of assets. How intestacy works and what families need to know.
When someone dies without a will and has no surviving relatives, the estate passes to the Crown under bona vacantia. What this means and whether family or friends can claim.
When someone dies without a will and leaves minor children, the children's inheritance is held in a statutory trust. What trustees must do and why a will is vital for parents.
Intestacy rules don't account for disability. A sudden inheritance can remove means-tested benefits. What families need to know and how a will can protect disabled loved ones.
A sole trader's business assets and liabilities form part of their personal estate. What happens when a sole trader dies without a will, and how to protect your business.
Estrangement does not affect a biological child's right to inherit under UK intestacy law. An estranged child has the same entitlement as a close child. What families need to know.
When someone dies without a will, no spouse, and no children, their parents inherit the entire estate equally. UK intestacy rules for parents as next of kin explained.
What happens to a joint mortgage when one owner dies without a will? Whether the mortgage must be repaid, who inherits the property, and how to deal with the lender.
When you have a second spouse and children from a first marriage, intestacy can leave your children with very little. How the £322,000 statutory legacy works and what to do.
Partial intestacy occurs when a will exists but doesn't cover all of the estate. How the intestacy rules fill the gaps, and how to avoid partial intestacy with a well-drafted will.
How to enter a standing search at the Probate Registry to monitor when a grant of probate is issued. This guide covers the difference from a caveat, cost (£3), duration (6 months), and why it matters for Inheritance Act time limits.
A complete guide to Inheritance Act 1975 claims in England and Wales. Covers the six categories of applicant, the maintenance standard vs spousal standard, the strict 6-month deadline from grant, the factors courts consider, and the orders the court can make.
Can an unmarried partner claim under the Inheritance Act 1975? This guide covers the 2-year cohabitation requirement, what 'same household as husband and wife' means, the maintenance standard, the 6-month deadline, and what happens on intestacy.
Can adult children claim under the Inheritance Act 1975? This guide covers the high threshold courts set, when claims are more likely to succeed (disability, sacrifices, dependency), the maintenance standard, and the 6-month deadline.
How to remove an executor through the court under section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985. This guide covers the grounds for removal (conflict of interest, misconduct, inertia, breakdown), the application process, and alternatives to court action.
A complete guide to time limits in contentious probate. Covers the 6-month Inheritance Act deadline (from grant), the 12-year limitation period for will validity challenges, no limitation period for fraud, and the importance of acting promptly.
How mediation works in will and estate disputes. This guide covers what mediation is, why estate disputes are particularly suited to it, the court's attitude (costs sanctions for refusal), how a session works, costs (£1,500–£5,000), and when to use it.
How much does it cost to contest a will? This guide covers typical solicitor costs at each stage (£50,000–£150,000+ per side for a trial), the testator's fault exception, funding options (CFA, ATE, litigation funding), and how mediation controls costs.
What are the practical outcomes when a will challenge succeeds? This guide covers the effect of a declaration of invalidity, distribution under a previous will or intestacy, partial invalidity, revocation of the grant, recovery of distributed assets, and Inheritance Act outcomes.
How is Portuguese property dealt with when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers Portuguese succession law, stamp duty (imposto do selo), the notário process, and how to use EU Succession Regulation 650/2012.
How is Italian property dealt with when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers Italian succession law, forced heirship (quota legittima), Italian succession tax, the notaio process, and EU Succession Regulation 650/2012.
How is German property dealt with when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers the Erbschein (German certificate of inheritance), German inheritance tax, the notary process, and EU Succession Regulation 650/2012.
How is UAE property dealt with when a UK citizen dies? This guide covers Sharia succession law in the UAE, DIFC Wills Service Centre, how to protect a UK estate from Sharia rules, and the practical steps to administer UAE assets.
Does a UK expat who died abroad have to pay UK IHT? This guide covers domicile of origin vs domicile of choice, deemed domicile, UK IHT on worldwide estates, and the practical steps for families.
What happens to the estate of a foreign national who dies in the UK? This guide covers domicile rules, deemed domicile (15 of 20 years UK resident), UK IHT on UK-sited assets, UK probate, and overseas asset administration.
How to re-seal a Commonwealth grant of probate in England and Wales under the Colonial Probates Act 1892. This guide covers which countries qualify, the process, costs, and practical tips.
When is an apostille needed for a foreign death certificate and how do you get one? This guide covers the Hague Apostille Convention, FCDO authentication, consular legalisation for non-Hague countries, and certified translations.
How is a foreign grant of probate recognised in England and Wales? This guide covers re-sealing Commonwealth grants, when a fresh UK grant is needed, the role of the lex situs rule, and practical steps.
What happens when a deceased person made wills in different countries? This guide covers when multiple wills are advisable, how to avoid conflicts, revocation clauses, EU Succession Regulation, and practical coordination.
How does dual nationality affect probate and succession? This guide covers domicile vs nationality, which country's laws apply to movable and immovable assets, EU Succession Regulation nationality elections, and practical steps.
What is EU Succession Regulation 650/2012 and how does it affect UK citizens with EU assets? This guide covers the habitual residence rule, nationality elections under Article 22, the European Certificate of Succession, and the UK opt-out.
Can you include foreign property in a UK will? This guide covers the lex situs rule for immovable property, movable assets, forced heirship in EU countries, when a separate local will is advisable, and practical drafting tips.
What to do when someone dies abroad. This guide covers registering a death abroad, FCDO consular assistance, repatriation of the body, obtaining a foreign death certificate, apostille, and starting UK estate administration.
How an executor sells a property during probate: marketing before the grant, signing the TR1, CGT main residence relief, and managing beneficiary expectations. UK 2026.
Mortgage lenders and equity release providers can delay probate property sales. Understand why delays happen and how to escalate. UK executor guide 2026.
A deed of variation allows beneficiaries to redirect a gift within 2 years of death for IHT and CGT purposes. Understand the rules, HMRC notification, and uses. UK 2026.
Can you refuse an inheritance? A disclaimer must be total — you cannot accept part and disclaim the rest. Understand the tax implications and how to disclaim. UK 2026.
Mutual wills create a binding agreement between spouses not to change their wills after the first death. Understand the legal obligations and risks. UK 2026 guide.
If a will cannot be found, the estate may be administered on intestacy. Understand the presumption of revocation, how to search, and what intestacy means. UK 2026.
When a person has been missing for 7 years, the court can make a declaration of presumed death. Understand the process, the Death (Commorientes) Act, and probate implications. UK.
Where is the safest place to keep an original will? Options include solicitor storage, Probate Registry, and the National Will Register. Avoid bank safe deposit boxes. UK guide.
If a deceased person held cryptocurrency but left no private key or seed phrase, the assets may be permanently inaccessible. Understand what options exist. UK 2026 guide.
A letter of wishes is not legally binding but guides your executor and trustees on your intentions. Understand what to include and how it works alongside your will. UK guide.
An Immediate Post-Death Interest (IPDI) trust gives a surviving spouse a life interest in the estate. Understand the tax treatment, IHT, and how life interest trusts operate. UK.
Nil rate band discretionary trusts were widely used before the transferable NRB. Are they still useful in 2026? Understand the ongoing administration and IHT implications. UK.
When a minor inherits under a will, a bare trust may be used to hold assets until they reach 18. Understand the tax treatment and administration of bare trusts. UK 2026 guide.
When a sole trader dies, the executor must deal with final income tax returns, VAT deregistration, and HMRC notifications. UK sole trader death guide 2026.
When a director dies, their shares pass through their estate. Understand articles of association restrictions, valuing private company shares, and IHT business relief. UK 2026.
When a partner dies, does the partnership dissolve? Understand accrual clauses, continuation agreements, valuing the partnership share, and IHT treatment. UK 2026 guide.
AIM shares no longer fully qualify for 100% Business Property Relief from April 2026. Understand the new 50% cap, what it means for estates, and IHT planning. UK guide.
EIS and SEIS investments may qualify for IHT Business Property Relief and CGT disposal on death. Understand the conditions, holding periods, and estate treatment. UK 2026.
Pension schemes can recover payments made after a member's death from the estate. Understand the rules, how long providers have to reclaim, and what to do. UK 2026 guide.
When someone dies while claiming Universal Credit, the DWP must be notified immediately. Understand the process, final payments, and overpayment recovery. UK guide.
When someone with a frozen or deferred pension dies, the estate or beneficiaries may be entitled to death benefits. Understand the claiming process and expression of wishes. UK.
What happens to an annuity when the policyholder dies? Guaranteed periods, joint life, and value-protected annuities can pay out to the estate or a nominee. UK 2026 guide.
When an endowment policy matures on death, does it go through the estate? Understand the difference between policies written in trust and those in the estate. UK guide.
A deceased Lloyd's Name may leave ongoing underwriting liabilities and letters of credit. Understand how the estate handles run-off liabilities and Lloyd's administration. UK.
Named as executor but don't want to act? Understand your options: renouncing before probate (Form PA15), power reserved, and what happens if you've already intermeddled. UK 2026.
One of several named executors wants to act alone. When can a sole executor apply for probate? Power reserved, renunciation, and citation explained. UK 2026 guide.
Named executor predeceases the person who made the will. Who administers the estate? Substitute executors, chain of executorship, and Letters of Administration explained.
An executor has lost mental capacity and cannot act. Options include power reserved, substitution under s.50 AJA 1985, and Court of Protection applications. UK 2026 guide.
How to renounce as executor using Form PA15. When renunciation is possible, when it's too late, and what happens to the estate after you renounce. UK 2026.
Executors act without charge by default unless the will or court authorises payment. Learn when a charging clause applies, how to apply for court-approved remuneration, and professional executor fees.
What to do when an executor is also a beneficiary — or when an executor has a personal interest that conflicts with their duties. Impartiality, self-dealing, and court applications. UK 2026.
Executors can be personally liable for wrongful distributions, missed debts, and tax errors. Learn how to protect yourself: statutory advertisements, insurance, and Benjamin orders. UK 2026.
A co-executor is refusing to act, has lost capacity, or is causing harm to the estate. How to apply under s.50 Administration of Justice Act 1985 to remove or substitute them. UK 2026.
The executor's year gives executors 12 months from death to distribute the estate without being in breach of duty. When does it apply? Can it be extended? UK 2026 guide.
A month-by-month executor timeline: what to do in the first six months, what should be complete by 12 months, and how to handle estates that run longer. UK 2026.
A beneficiary named in the will cannot be traced. Options include genealogical search, statutory advertisement, missing beneficiary insurance, and the Benjamin order. UK 2026.
A beneficiary wants to disclaim or vary their inheritance. Understand the difference between disclaimer and deed of variation, tax consequences, and what happens to the disclaimed share. UK 2026.
What to do when an estate's debts exceed its assets. The order of priority for paying creditors, administration of insolvent estates, and executor liability. UK 2026 guide.
Can an executor based overseas administer a UK estate? Practical guidance on remote administration, appointing a UK-based attorney, and HMRC requirements for non-resident executors.
Co-executors cannot agree on selling property, distributions, or key decisions. The unanimity rule, options for dispute resolution, and when to apply to court. UK 2026 guide.
Power reserved allows a named executor to step back without renouncing — preserving their right to join the administration later. How it works, how it's recorded on the grant, and when to use it.
Executors must account to beneficiaries for all estate transactions. What accounts must be prepared, when they must be provided, and how disputes over accounts are resolved. UK 2026.
How to protect yourself as executor when a beneficiary cannot be found: missing beneficiary insurance, paying into court under s.63 Trustee Act 1925, and statutory advertisements. UK 2026.
A Benjamin order allows an executor to distribute the estate on the assumption that a missing beneficiary has predeceased. When to apply, how the process works, and the risks. UK 2026.
A deed of appropriation transfers specific estate assets (shares, property, portfolios) to beneficiaries in satisfaction of their entitlement. No CGT is triggered. UK guide.
Obtaining signed receipts from beneficiaries after distribution protects the executor from future claims. Understand what a receipt must include and how to handle refusals. UK.
Estate accounts are a formal summary of all assets, debts, and residue — prepared before distribution and presented to beneficiaries for approval. UK executor guide.
Beneficiaries can demand to see estate accounts and apply to court for them to be passed. Understand the passing of accounts process, surcharge, and mediation. UK 2026.
Distribution follows a strict order: specific legacies, pecuniary legacies, then residue. The executor's year is 12 months from death. Obtain receipts from all beneficiaries. UK.
If a beneficiary dies before the testator, their gift usually lapses. The s.33 Wills Act 1837 exception applies to descendants who leave children. UK executor guide.
After distributing the estate, the executor must close the estate account, notify HMRC, issue R185 forms, and retain records for 12 years. UK executor guide.
Receiving an inheritance is not taxable, but estate income must be reported using the R185. Future gains on inherited assets use probate value as the base cost. UK 2026 guide.
An executor can renounce before intermeddling, reserve power, or be removed by court order. Understand the options and the ongoing liability after administration. UK 2026.
Scottish estates under £36,000 can use a simplified confirmation procedure handled by the Sheriff Clerk directly — no solicitor needed, fee of £26. How it works and who qualifies.
IHT is a UK-wide reserved tax — the rules, thresholds, and reliefs are identical in Scotland. How Scottish succession rules interact with IHT, and how to pay IHT before confirmation.
The Sheriff Clerk administers confirmation — Scotland's equivalent of probate. How the Sheriff Court system works, which court to apply to, and how the Sheriff Clerk differs from England's Probate Registry.
Probate in Northern Ireland is handled by the Probate and Matrimonial Office in Belfast. How NI probate differs from England, intestacy rules, and cross-border estate issues. 2026 guide.
Step-by-step guide to applying for probate at the Probate and Matrimonial Office in Belfast: the oath, IHT forms, fees (free under £10,000; £261 above), and what to expect. NI 2026.
Northern Ireland intestacy broadly mirrors England and Wales. Surviving spouse receives £270,000 statutory legacy. Cohabiting partners have no automatic rights. Letters of Administration required.
England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are separate legal jurisdictions. When you need a new grant vs resealing, how Scotland always requires its own confirmation, and cross-border estate guidance.
Deaths in Scotland must be registered within eight days. What to bring, where to register, the documents you receive (Form 14, burial certificate), and Tell Us Once. Scottish registration guide 2026.
Deaths in Northern Ireland must be registered within five days. What documents you need, where to register, the Death Certificate and burial authorisation, and Tell Us Once. NI 2026 guide.
Barclays bereavement team: 0800 161 5195 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm). Notify by phone or online. Accounts frozen immediately — death certificate required. Step-by-step guide.
HSBC bereavement team: 0800 085 2578 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat–Sun 8am–6pm). Notify by phone or online. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate and probate required. Full guide.
Lloyds bereavement team: 0800 096 8476 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–2pm). Phone or online notification. Accounts frozen on contact. Death certificate required upfront. Step-by-step guide.
NatWest bereavement team: 0800 161 5902 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 9am–5pm). Phone or online. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate required. Full step-by-step guide.
Halifax bereavement team: 0800 096 8765 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm). Notify by phone or online form. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate required. Full guide for executors.
Santander bereavement team: 0800 389 6655 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–12pm). Phone or online. Accounts frozen on notification. Death certificate required. Step-by-step executor guide.
Nationwide bereavement team: 0800 464 3018 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm). Phone or online. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate required upfront. Full step-by-step guide.
TSB bereavement team: 0800 056 1016 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm). Phone or online form. Accounts frozen on notification. Death certificate required. Guide for executors and next of kin.
Notify Monzo of a death via their online bereavement form — no branch visit or phone call needed. Accounts frozen immediately on notification. What documents Monzo needs. Full guide.
Starling Bank bereavement: 0207 930 4450 (24/7) or online form. Accounts frozen immediately. No branch needed — phone or app-based process. Death certificate required. Full guide.
First Direct bereavement: 0345 600 2290 (24/7) or online form. Accounts frozen on notification. Death certificate required, then grant of probate to release funds. Full step-by-step guide.
Co-op Bank bereavement: 0345 600 6000 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm). Phone or online. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate and probate required. Full executor guide.
British Gas bereavement: 0800 294 8604 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Cancel direct debits, final meter reading, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full step-by-step guide.
Notify Octopus Energy of a death via their online bereavement form. Final meter reading required. Account closed or transferred to new occupant. Documents needed. Full guide.
OVO Energy bereavement: 0330 303 5063 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm) or online. Cancel direct debits, get final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
EDF Energy bereavement: 0333 200 5100 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm) or online. Cancel direct debits, final meter reading, account closed or transferred. What documents EDF needs. Full guide.
E.ON bereavement (including ex-npower customers): 0808 501 5200 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Cancel direct debit, take final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
ScottishPower bereavement: 0800 027 0072 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) or online. Cancel direct debits, final meter reading, close or transfer account. Documents required. Full guide.
Shell Energy bereavement: 0330 094 5800 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Also handles ex-Post Office Energy customers. Cancel direct debit, final meter reading, close account. Full guide.
Utilita bereavement: 0345 207 2000 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Prepayment meter customers — how to handle credit balance and key/card return. Final bill process. Full step-by-step guide.
BT bereavement: 0800 800 150 (Mon–Fri 8am–9pm, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm). Cancel or transfer broadband and phone, return equipment, final bill issued. What documents BT needs. Full guide.
Sky bereavement: 0333 7591 018 (Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Cancel or transfer Sky TV, broadband, and phone. Return equipment. Final bill. Early termination fees waived. Full guide.
Virgin Media bereavement: 0800 052 0800 (Mon–Fri 8am–9pm, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm). Cancel or transfer broadband, TV, and phone. Equipment return. Early termination fees. Full guide.
Vodafone bereavement: 0333 304 0191 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–5pm). Cancel or transfer mobile contract. Final bill issued. Early termination fees waived for bereavement. Full guide.
EE bereavement: 0800 956 6000 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm). Cancel or transfer mobile, broadband, or TV. Early termination fees waived. Final bill. What documents EE needs.
O2 bereavement: 0344 809 0202 (Mon–Fri 8am–9pm, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm). Cancel or transfer mobile contract. Early termination fees waived on bereavement. Final bill. Full guide.
Three bereavement: dial 333 free from a Three mobile (Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat–Sun 9am–6pm). Cancel or transfer contract. Final bill. Early termination fees waived. Full guide.
TalkTalk bereavement: 0345 172 0088 (Mon–Sun 8am–10pm). Cancel or transfer broadband and phone. Final bill issued. Early termination fees waived on bereavement. Full executor guide.
Aviva bereavement service: 0800 015 1144 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Make life insurance claims, cancel premiums, reclaim unused payments. What documents Aviva needs. Full guide.
Legal & General bereavement: 0800 137 101 (Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm). Make life insurance claims, cancel premiums, reclaim unused payments. What documents L&G needs. Full guide.
Royal London bereavement: 0345 611 1111 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Make life insurance and protection claims, cancel premiums, handle pension death benefits. Full guide for executors.
Direct Line bereavement: 0345 246 8701 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Cancel home and car insurance, reclaim unused premium, make any claims. What documents you need. Full guide.
AXA bereavement support: 0330 024 1060 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Cancel home, car, or health insurance, reclaim unused premium, make any claims. What documents AXA needs. Full guide.
Thames Water bereavement: 0800 009 3987 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–1pm). Cancel direct debit, get final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Severn Trent bereavement: 0345 750 0500 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–1pm). Covers Midlands and parts of Wales. Cancel direct debit, final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
United Utilities bereavement: 0345 672 3723 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm). Covers north-west England. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full guide.
Yorkshire Water bereavement: 0345 1 24 24 24 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Final meter reading, cancel direct debit, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full guide.
Anglian Water bereavement: 03457 145 145 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Covers east England. Final meter reading, cancel direct debit, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full guide.
Southern Water bereavement: 0330 303 0368 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Covers Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru) bereavement: 0800 052 0130 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm). Not-for-profit water company. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
South West Water bereavement: 0344 346 2020 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm). Covers Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Northumbrian Water bereavement: 0345 717 1100 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–5pm). Covers north-east England. Final meter reading, cancel direct debit, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Nest Pensions bereavement: 0300 020 0090 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Government-backed workplace pension. Nomination of beneficiary, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. Full guide.
The People's Pension bereavement: 0300 2000 555 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Workplace pension — expression of wishes, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
Standard Life bereavement: 0345 606 0095 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Part of Phoenix Group. Pension pot outside probate, expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Scottish Widows bereavement: 0345 716 6777 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Lloyds Banking Group. Pension, annuity, life insurance. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Prudential bereavement: 0345 640 4000 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Pensions and annuities. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
NOW: Pensions bereavement: 0330 100 3336 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Workplace pension for SMEs. Nomination of beneficiary, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
Aviva pension bereavement: 0800 145 5744 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Workplace and personal pensions, life insurance. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Zurich pension bereavement: 0370 242 7472 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Workplace pensions, personal pensions, life insurance. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Hargreaves Lansdown bereavement: 0117 900 9000 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm). ISAs, SIPPs, investments. Grant of probate required. APS option for surviving spouse. Full guide.
Vanguard bereavement: 0800 587 0460 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). ISAs, SIPPs, index funds. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. What documents needed. Full step-by-step guide.
interactive investor (ii) bereavement: 0345 607 6001 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). ISAs, SIPPs, trading accounts. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. Full guide.
Trading 212 bereavement: online only — email support@trading212.com. No phone. ISAs and investment accounts. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. Full guide.
Freetrade bereavement: online only via deceased account form. App-based platform, no phone. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. Full step-by-step guide.
Nutmeg bereavement: 0800 024 2380 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). JPMorgan-owned. ISAs, SIPPs, managed portfolios. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. Full step-by-step guide.
Amazon deceased account: online only, no dedicated phone. Cancel Prime, claim gift card balance, resolve outstanding orders. Need account email and death certificate. Full guide.
Netflix account cancellation after death: online only, no dedicated bereavement line. Cancel to stop charges. Need account email or death certificate if no account access. Full guide.
Spotify account cancellation after death: contact support online. Cancel Premium to stop charges. Death certificate needed if no account access. Family plan — notify admin. Full guide.
Apple Digital Legacy: use Legacy Contact if set up, or apply via support.apple.com. Cancel subscriptions. Without Legacy Contact, Apple ID data is permanently inaccessible. Full guide.
PayPal bereavement: 0800 358 7911 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Withdraw account balance to estate, close PayPal Credit, cancel subscriptions. Death certificate required. Full guide.
eBay deceased account: online only, no dedicated phone. Resolve open listings, withdraw Managed Payments balance to estate. Need username and death certificate. Full guide.
John Lewis bereavement: 0345 604 9049 (Mon–Sun 7am–11pm). Partnership Card, gift cards, outstanding orders. Death certificate required. Credit card notified separately. Full guide.
M&S bereavement: 0333 014 8555 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Sparks card, gift vouchers, outstanding orders. M&S Bank products need separate notification. Death certificate required. Full guide.
Nectar bereavement: online only via help centre. Close account, check points balance (400 pts = £2). Sainsbury's Bank requires separate notification. Death certificate needed. Full guide.
Tesco Clubcard bereavement: 0800 591 688 (Mon–Sun 9am–5pm). Check points balance, cancel Clubcard Plus. Tesco Bank notified separately. Death certificate needed. Full guide.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 0344 209 7777 (Mon–Sun 9am–5pm). Up to 60,000 miles transferable to family within 12 months. Death certificate and membership number required. Full guide.
BA Executive Club bereavement: 0344 493 0787 (Mon–Sun 8am–8pm). Avios transferable to family within 12 months. Avios expire after 3 years of inactivity. Full step-by-step guide.
Virgin Money bereavement: 0800 231 5098 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–5pm). Death Notification Service member. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate and probate required. Full guide.
Metro Bank bereavement: 0345 08 08 500 (Mon–Sun 8am–8pm). Death Notification Service member. 7-day availability. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate and probate required. Full guide.
Clydesdale Bank bereavement: 0800 345 8181 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm). Scotland: confirmation required instead of probate. Death Notification Service member. Full step-by-step guide.
Yorkshire Bank bereavement: 0800 345 8181 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm). Part of Virgin Money UK. Death Notification Service member. Accounts frozen immediately. Full step-by-step guide.
Bank of Scotland bereavement: 0800 015 2592 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Part of Lloyds Banking Group. Scottish confirmation required. Death Notification Service member. Accounts frozen immediately. Full guide.
Ulster Bank bereavement: 0800 232 1112 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–5pm). Northern Ireland — probate via High Court. Death Notification Service member. Accounts frozen on notification. Full guide.
Danske Bank (Northern Ireland) bereavement: 0345 600 5050 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm). Probate via NI High Court. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate required. Full guide.
Post Office Money bereavement: 0800 169 9515 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm). Savings, ISAs — provided by Bank of Ireland UK. Grant of probate required to release funds. Full guide.
Revolut deceased account: online only via help centre, no phone. E-money institution — safeguarded deposits, not FSCS-protected. Grant of probate required. Full step-by-step guide.
Thames Water bereavement: 0800 009 3987 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–1pm). Cancel direct debit, get final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Severn Trent bereavement: 0345 750 0500 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–1pm). Covers Midlands and parts of Wales. Cancel direct debit, final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
United Utilities bereavement: 0345 672 3723 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm). Covers north-west England. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full guide.
Yorkshire Water bereavement: 0345 1 24 24 24 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Final meter reading, cancel direct debit, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full guide.
Anglian Water bereavement: 03457 145 145 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Covers east England. Final meter reading, cancel direct debit, close or transfer account. What documents you need. Full guide.
Southern Water bereavement: 0330 303 0368 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Covers Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru) bereavement: 0800 052 0130 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm). Not-for-profit water company. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
South West Water bereavement: 0344 346 2020 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm). Covers Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset. Final meter reading, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Northumbrian Water bereavement: 0345 717 1100 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–5pm). Covers north-east England. Final meter reading, cancel direct debit, close or transfer account. Full guide.
Nest Pensions bereavement: 0300 020 0090 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Government-backed workplace pension. Nomination of beneficiary, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. Full guide.
The People's Pension bereavement: 0300 2000 555 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Workplace pension — expression of wishes, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
Standard Life bereavement: 0345 606 0095 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Part of Phoenix Group. Pension pot outside probate, expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Scottish Widows bereavement: 0345 716 6777 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Lloyds Banking Group. Pension, annuity, life insurance. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Prudential bereavement: 0345 640 4000 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Pensions and annuities. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
NOW: Pensions bereavement: 0330 100 3336 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Workplace pension for SMEs. Nomination of beneficiary, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
Aviva pension bereavement: 0800 145 5744 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Workplace and personal pensions, life insurance. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Zurich pension bereavement: 0370 242 7472 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Workplace pensions, personal pensions, life insurance. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Hargreaves Lansdown bereavement: 0117 900 9000 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm). ISAs, SIPPs, investments. Grant of probate required. APS option for surviving spouse. Full guide.
Vanguard bereavement: 0800 587 0460 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). ISAs, SIPPs, index funds. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. What documents needed. Full step-by-step guide.
interactive investor (ii) bereavement: 0345 607 6001 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). ISAs, SIPPs, trading accounts. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. Full guide.
Trading 212 bereavement: online only — email support@trading212.com. No phone. ISAs and investment accounts. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. Full guide.
Freetrade bereavement: online only via deceased account form. App-based platform, no phone. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. Full step-by-step guide.
Nutmeg bereavement: 0800 024 2380 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). JPMorgan-owned. ISAs, SIPPs, managed portfolios. Grant of probate required. APS for surviving spouse. Full step-by-step guide.
Amazon deceased account: online only, no dedicated phone. Cancel Prime, claim gift card balance, resolve outstanding orders. Need account email and death certificate. Full guide.
Netflix account cancellation after death: online only, no dedicated bereavement line. Cancel to stop charges. Need account email or death certificate if no account access. Full guide.
Spotify account cancellation after death: contact support online. Cancel Premium to stop charges. Death certificate needed if no account access. Family plan — notify admin. Full guide.
Apple Digital Legacy: use Legacy Contact if set up, or apply via support.apple.com. Cancel subscriptions. Without Legacy Contact, Apple ID data is permanently inaccessible. Full guide.
PayPal bereavement: 0800 358 7911 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Withdraw account balance to estate, close PayPal Credit, cancel subscriptions. Death certificate required. Full guide.
eBay deceased account: online only, no dedicated phone. Resolve open listings, withdraw Managed Payments balance to estate. Need username and death certificate. Full guide.
John Lewis bereavement: 0345 604 9049 (Mon–Sun 7am–11pm). Partnership Card, gift cards, outstanding orders. Death certificate required. Credit card notified separately. Full guide.
M&S bereavement: 0333 014 8555 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Sparks card, gift vouchers, outstanding orders. M&S Bank products need separate notification. Death certificate required. Full guide.
Nectar bereavement: online only via help centre. Close account, check points balance (400 pts = £2). Sainsbury's Bank requires separate notification. Death certificate needed. Full guide.
Tesco Clubcard bereavement: 0800 591 688 (Mon–Sun 9am–5pm). Check points balance, cancel Clubcard Plus. Tesco Bank notified separately. Death certificate needed. Full guide.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 0344 209 7777 (Mon–Sun 9am–5pm). Up to 60,000 miles transferable to family within 12 months. Death certificate and membership number required. Full guide.
BA Executive Club bereavement: 0344 493 0787 (Mon–Sun 8am–8pm). Avios transferable to family within 12 months. Avios expire after 3 years of inactivity. Full step-by-step guide.
Virgin Money bereavement: 0800 231 5098 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–5pm). Death Notification Service member. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate and probate required. Full guide.
Metro Bank bereavement: 0345 08 08 500 (Mon–Sun 8am–8pm). Death Notification Service member. 7-day availability. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate and probate required. Full guide.
Clydesdale Bank bereavement: 0800 345 8181 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm). Scotland: confirmation required instead of probate. Death Notification Service member. Full step-by-step guide.
Yorkshire Bank bereavement: 0800 345 8181 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm). Part of Virgin Money UK. Death Notification Service member. Accounts frozen immediately. Full step-by-step guide.
Bank of Scotland bereavement: 0800 015 2592 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Part of Lloyds Banking Group. Scottish confirmation required. Death Notification Service member. Accounts frozen immediately. Full guide.
Ulster Bank bereavement: 0800 232 1112 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–5pm). Northern Ireland — probate via High Court. Death Notification Service member. Accounts frozen on notification. Full guide.
Danske Bank (Northern Ireland) bereavement: 0345 600 5050 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm). Probate via NI High Court. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate required. Full guide.
Post Office Money bereavement: 0800 169 9515 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm). Savings, ISAs — provided by Bank of Ireland UK. Grant of probate required to release funds. Full guide.
Revolut deceased account: online only via help centre, no phone. E-money institution — safeguarded deposits, not FSCS-protected. Grant of probate required. Full step-by-step guide.
IHT402 transfers unused nil rate band from a deceased spouse or civil partner. Claim up to £325,000 extra tax-free allowance. Step-by-step completion guide with worked examples.
IHT405 lists all property, land, and buildings in the estate for inheritance tax. Get the valuation right to avoid HMRC enquiries. Step-by-step completion guide.
IHT406 lists all bank accounts, savings, and ISAs in the estate. How to get date-of-death balances, handle joint accounts, and include accrued interest.
IHT407 covers furniture, jewellery, cars, art, and personal items in the estate. How to value household goods for HMRC, when professional valuations are needed.
IHT419 deducts debts from the taxable estate — mortgages, credit cards, loans, care fees. Which debts HMRC allows and common mistakes that trigger enquiries.
IHT435 claims the Residence Nil Rate Band (up to £175,000). Conditions, downsizing rules, taper for estates over £2m. Step-by-step guide.
IHT436 transfers unused RNRB from a deceased spouse or civil partner — potentially adding up to £175,000 extra tax-free allowance. Conditions and calculation guide.
Notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a death. Use the Bereavement Service (0800 731 0469) or Tell Us Once to cancel State Pension, benefits, and claim Bereavement Support Payment.
Notify HM Revenue & Customs of a death. Use Tell Us Once or call 0300 200 3300. Final Self Assessment return, tax refund, or Inheritance Tax — step-by-step guide.
Tell Us Once is a free GOV.UK service that notifies HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, and your local council in a single step. Get your reference from the registrar. Full guide.
Cancel a deceased person's passport via Tell Us Once or by posting it to HM Passport Office. No fee. Prevents identity fraud. Full guide.
Use Tell Us Once to notify your local council of a death — covers council tax, housing benefit, blue badge, and library membership. Step-by-step guide.
Tell Us Once automatically notifies the electoral register. If not used, contact your local Electoral Registration Office directly. No fee, no forms. Full guide.
Teachers' Pension bereavement: 0345 606 6166 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm). Death grant, survivor's pension, certified death certificate required. Full guide.
NHS Pensions bereavement: 0300 330 1346 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Death grant, survivor's pension, children's pension. NHSBSA administers. Full guide.
Civil Service Pension bereavement: 0300 123 6666 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm). MyCSP administers. Death benefit lump sum, survivor's pension. Full guide.
The LGPS has 86 separate pension funds. Find yours at lgpsmember.org. Death grant, survivor's pension. Step-by-step guide.
USS bereavement: 0333 300 1289 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Universities Superannuation Scheme — covers university staff. Death-in-service lump sum, survivor's pension. Full guide.
AJ Bell bereavement: 0345 073 1001 (Mon–Fri 8am–5:30pm). ISAs, SIPPs, dealing accounts. In-specie transfers, APS for surviving spouse. Grant of probate required. Full guide.
Charles Stanley bereavement: 020 7739 8200 or bereavement@charles-stanley.co.uk. Discretionary, advisory, and execution-only accounts. Probate required. Full guide.
Fidelity bereavement: 0800 41 41 61 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). ISAs, SIPPs, Junior ISAs. APS for surviving spouse. In-specie transfers available. Full step-by-step guide.
Bestinvest bereavement: 020 7189 9999 or cs@bestinvest.co.uk. ISAs, SIPPs, dealing accounts. Owned by Evelyn Partners. Grant of probate required. Full guide.
Wealthify bereavement: 0800 802 1800 or support@wealthify.com. Robo-adviser owned by Aviva. ISAs, Junior ISAs, pensions. Portfolio liquidated as cash. Full guide.
Moneyfarm bereavement: bereavement@moneyfarm.com or 0800 433 4574. Robo-adviser. ISAs, SIPPs. Portfolio liquidated and paid as cash. Grant of probate required. Full guide.
M&S Bank bereavement: 0800 363 400 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Death Notification Service member. Part of HSBC group. Current accounts, credit cards, savings. Full guide.
Chase UK bereavement: 0800 376 3333 (24/7) or in-app chat. Digital-only bank, no branches. Not DNS member. App-based accounts. Full step-by-step guide.
Atom Bank bereavement: 0333 399 0050 or support@atombank.co.uk. Digital bank. Fixed-rate savings, mortgages. Early closure penalty waived on death. Full guide.
Aldermore bereavement: 0333 015 3640 or bereavement@aldermore.co.uk. Savings, ISAs, mortgages, business finance. FirstRand Group. Probate required. Full guide.
Bank of Ireland UK bereavement: 0800 055 6655 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Death Notification Service member. Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Probate required. Full guide.
Plusnet bereavement: 0800 432 0200 or online at plus.net/support/bereavement. BT Group company. Early termination fees waived. Transfer or cancel broadband. Full guide.
Now Broadband bereavement: 0330 041 2518 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Sky Group company. Monthly and 12-month contracts. Return router. Separate from Now TV. Full guide.
Zen Internet bereavement: 01706 902 573 or support@zen.co.uk. UK-based ISP, Rochdale. Fixed-term early termination fees typically waived. Full guide.
NFU Mutual bereavement: 0800 316 4696 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Life, home, farm, motor insurance. Contact local agent or central line. Policies written in trust bypass estate. Full guide.
LV= bereavement: 0800 678 1906 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Life insurance, car, home, pet. Cancel policies and claim life insurance payout. Allianz-owned since 2022. Full guide.
Sun Life bereavement: 0800 008 6060 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Over-50s life insurance and funeral plans. Guaranteed whole-of-life payouts. AXA Group. Fast claims. Full guide.
Esure bereavement: 0345 045 7994 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Car, home, pet insurance. Sheila's Wheels same number. Pro-rata refunds on cancellation. Full guide.
Ageas bereavement: 0800 169 4060 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Major UK underwriter. Home, motor, pet, travel, commercial. Check policy for broker details. Full guide.
Bupa bereavement: 0800 600 500 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Health insurance, dental, travel, care homes. Family policies can be continued. Pro-rata premium refunds. Full guide.
Vitality bereavement: 0800 048 2254 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Life insurance, serious illness, health insurance. Discovery Group. Policies in trust bypass probate. Full guide.
Cancel Disney+ at disneyplus.com/account or via help.disneyplus.com. No dedicated bereavement line. Monthly and annual subscriptions auto-renew. Full guide.
Cancel a TV Licence by calling 0300 555 0286 or online. Refund available for unused quarters. £174.50/year. Licence cannot be transferred. Full guide.
Boots Advantage Card bereavement: 0345 070 8090 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Points worth 1p each — check balance before closing. One of the UK's most common loyalty cards. Full guide.
Waitrose bereavement: 0800 188 884 (Mon–Sun 8am–9pm). Close myWaitrose account, cancel grocery deliveries. John Lewis Partnership. No cashback to redeem. Full guide.
National Trust bereavement: 0344 800 1895 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Joint memberships can continue for surviving members. Pro-rata refund for unused period. Full guide.
English Heritage bereavement: 0370 333 1181 (Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm). Free entry to 400+ sites. Joint memberships can continue for surviving member. Pro-rata refund. Full guide.
RAC bereavement: 0330 159 0706 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Personal membership cannot be transferred. Vehicle-based cover transfers with vehicle. Pro-rata refund. Full guide.
AA bereavement: 0800 022 3336 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Personal membership non-transferable. Vehicle-based cover transfers with vehicle. Cancel insurance separately. Full guide.
Microsoft bereavement: 0800 026 0329 or support.microsoft.com. Cancel Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, OneDrive. Recover documents before closing. Next of Kin process. Full guide.
Cancel Audible at audible.co.uk/ep/contact-us or via Amazon. Check unused credit balance before cancelling — credits have real value. Purchased audiobooks remain. Full guide.
Cancel Now TV passes at help.nowtv.com or 0330 041 2518. Entertainment, Cinema, Sport, Kids — each billed separately. Separate from Now Broadband. Full guide.
Sainsbury's bereavement: 0800 636 262. Close store account, grocery deliveries, Tu account. Nectar and Sainsbury's Bank notified separately. Full guide.
Asda bereavement: 0800 952 0101 (Mon–Sun 8am–10pm). Close online accounts, Asda Rewards Cashpot, Delivery Pass. Asda Money products notified separately. Full guide.
Argos bereavement: 0345 640 2020. Close account and handle Argos Card (operated by NewDay). Separate from Sainsbury's. Outstanding credit balances are estate debts. Full guide.
Next bereavement: 0333 777 8000 (Mon–Fri 8am–11pm). Close account and handle Next Credit balance. Outstanding credit is an estate debt; positive balance refundable. Full guide.
Currys bereavement: 0344 561 1234 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Close account, cancel Care & Repair, handle credit (NewDay). PC World now Currys. Warranties may have refund value. Full guide.
Close a Google account after death via support.google.com. Recover Drive, Photos, Gmail data first. Cancel Google One subscription. No phone line — online process only. Full guide.
Cancel Deliveroo via help.deliveroo.com. No dedicated bereavement line. Cancel Deliveroo Plus subscription promptly. Check credit balance. May be bundled with Amazon Prime. Full guide.
A step-by-step guide to the first 24 hours after someone dies in the UK — who to call, what to do immediately, and what can safely wait.
Premium Bonds remain eligible for prize draws for 12 months after death. How to notify NS&I, what documents you need, when you need probate, and how to claim the bond value.
What happens to council tax when someone dies in the UK. Exemptions for empty properties, refunds for overpayments, Tell Us Once, and how to cancel direct debits.
Credit card debt after death belongs to the estate, not the family. Who is actually liable, what happens to joint accounts, and how executors should deal with credit card companies.
Joint tenants: the property passes automatically to the survivor — no probate needed. Tenants in common: the deceased's share goes through the estate. Complete guide to both, including Land Registry process.
Death certificates are issued at the registration appointment — same day. But you must register the death within 5 days first. What affects timing, coroner delays, and how to order more copies.
What happens to State Pension when someone dies, how to notify the DWP, what surviving spouses can inherit, and how to avoid overpayment debt to the estate.
Every HMRC notification an executor needs to make: Self Assessment, PAYE tax refund, income tax in year of death, estate income, VAT deregistration, and how to close the tax affairs.
What happens to a rented property when the tenant dies — tenancy succession rules, how to end the tenancy, the landlord's rights, deposits, and the executor's responsibilities.
Standard home insurance becomes invalid after 30–60 days when a property is left empty. Executors are liable. What cover is needed, typical costs, and how to protect the estate's property.
The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 lets certain people challenge a will or intestacy that leaves them without reasonable financial provision. Who can claim, the 6-month deadline, and what courts consider.
The funeral always comes before probate — probate takes months, funerals happen within weeks. How to pay funeral costs before probate, what banks will release, and the typical timeline.
Funeral directors collect the body, prepare it for burial or cremation, handle all legal paperwork, arrange the service, and coordinate everything in between. Full guide to their role and what to expect.
Tell Us Once, Death Notification Service, Settld, Life Ledger, Farra — a plain-English guide to every UK death admin service, what each one does, and how to use them together.
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