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.
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Call 999 if the death was unexpected, or call the GP or NHS 111 if expected. Contact the funeral director for guidance, secure the property, arrange care for children and pets, and locate the will. Death registration cannot happen today: in England and Wales the 5-day deadline only starts once the medical examiner has notified the registrar of the cause of death.
The first 24 hours after someone dies can feel overwhelming. This emergency checklist prioritizes the most crucial tasks to help you focus on what truly needs immediate attention.
Most Urgent (First 2 Hours)
- Confirm death and call appropriate services
- Secure the person and location
- Notify immediate family
- Contact GP or hospital if expected death
Within 24 Hours
- Doctor completes the medical certificate; it goes to the medical examiner
- Contact funeral director
- Begin organizing important documents
- Care for dependents or pets
Contents
These tasks require immediate attention and cannot wait:
1
Death at home (unexpected): Call 999 immediately
Don't move the person or disturb anything
2
Death at home (expected): Call GP or NHS 111
Have medical details and medications list ready
3
Death in hospital/care home: Staff will handle procedures
Speak to bereavement services or duty manager
4
Notify closest family members: Spouse, children, parents
Only tell those who need to know immediately
Once immediate needs are addressed, focus on these urgent tasks:
Aim to complete these tasks before the first day ends:
These tasks are important but don't need to be done on the first day:
Can wait 2-5 days:
- • Registering the death (deadline: 5 days in England and Wales, counted from the day the registrar is notified of the cause of death by the medical examiner rather than the date of death; 8 days from the date of death in Scotland)
- • Detailed funeral planning
- • Notifying banks and financial institutions
- • Contacting employer about bereavement leave
- • Organizing death certificates
Can wait 1-2 weeks:
- • Notifying utility companies
- • Cancelling subscriptions and memberships
- • Dealing with personal belongings
- • Social media accounts
- • Detailed probate planning
You don't have to do everything alone. Support is available through various organisations including Cruse Bereavement Support and NHS bereavement services:
Take Care of Yourself
The first day after someone dies is exhausting both emotionally and physically. Remember to eat something, stay hydrated, and get help with tasks when possible. Tomorrow will be easier because you'll have a clearer plan.