First Week After Death: Complete Checklist
What should I do in the first week after a death?
Days 1-2: Obtain medical certificate, notify family, contact funeral director, secure property. Days 3-4: Register death (within 5 days), order death certificates (5-10 copies), locate will. Days 5-7: Plan funeral, use Tell Us Once to notify government, notify banks, list assets for probate, arrange dependent/pet care.
- Days 1-2: Medical certificate, notify family, funeral director, secure property
- Days 3-4: Register death (5-day deadline), order death certificates, locate will
- Days 5-7: Plan funeral, notify banks, Tell Us Once, list assets/debts
- Key deadline: Register death within 5 days (England/Wales), 8 days Scotland
- Certificates: Order 5-10 at registration (£12.50 each vs £15+ later)
- Tell Us Once: Notifies 20+ government departments automatically
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
First Week Priorities
The first week after someone dies can be overwhelming. This checklist breaks down essential tasks by day to help you manage everything step by step. For immediate priorities, see our first day emergency checklist, or read our complete guide to what to do when someone dies.
Why the First Week Matters
The first week contains several critical legal deadlines and practical tasks that can't be delayed. The most important is registering the death within 5 days (England and Wales) or 8 days (Scotland). Missing this deadline can result in legal complications and delays with banks, insurance, and funeral arrangements.
Getting death certificates ordered at registration also saves money - they cost £12.50 each at registration but £15+ if ordered later. Most families need 5-10 certificates for banks, insurance companies, and other organisations.
What You Don't Need to Do This Week
You don't need to apply for probate, value the entire estate, or make major financial decisions in the first week. Focus on the immediate legal requirements and practical arrangements. The full estate administration can wait until you're ready.
Getting Help
Don't try to do everything alone. Funeral directors can guide you through registration and often provide a liaison service. The registrar's office can advise on the death certificate process. Friends and family can help with practical tasks like securing property and caring for pets.
Day-by-Day Checklist
Day 1-2
Day 3-4
Day 5-7
Detailed Timeline and Explanations
Days 1-2: Immediate Actions
The first 48 hours focus on confirming the death and securing the immediate situation. If the death was expected and at home, you'll need to call the doctor to issue the medical certificate of cause of death. If unexpected, call 999 first. The police will attend and arrange for the coroner if needed.
Securing property: Check all doors and windows are locked. Cancel regular deliveries. Arrange for someone to check the property daily. If the deceased lived alone, contact the utility companies to ensure bills continue to be paid and the property remains secure.
Pets and dependents: Make immediate arrangements for anyone who depended on the deceased. Contact social services if children or vulnerable adults need support. Arrange temporary care for pets until permanent arrangements can be made.
Days 3-4: Legal Registration
The 5-day deadline: In England and Wales, you must register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). This is a legal requirement. Book an appointment with the local register office as soon as you have the medical certificate.
What to bring: The medical certificate, the deceased's birth certificate, marriage/civil partnership certificate, NHS medical card, and proof of address. The registrar will issue the death certificate and, if needed, the certificate for burial or cremation (the "green form").
Finding the will: Check the deceased's home, safe, or filing cabinet. Contact their solicitor if they had one. Search the National Will Register (£65 search fee). The will names the executors who have legal authority to administer the estate.
Life insurance: Look for policy documents, bank statements showing premium payments, or letters from insurance companies. Some policies pay out quickly to cover funeral costs.
Days 5-7: Notifications and Planning
Tell Us Once: This free government service allows you to report the death to multiple government departments (HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, etc.) in one go. You'll receive an access code from the registrar. Use it online or over the phone to notify 20+ organisations at once.
Banks and financial institutions: Contact each bank where the deceased held accounts. They'll freeze the accounts to prevent fraud. You may be able to access limited funds (typically £5,000-£50,000) to pay for the funeral without waiting for probate.
Bereavement benefits: If the deceased was under State Pension age and had paid enough National Insurance, their spouse or civil partner may be entitled to Bereavement Support Payment - up to £3,500 lump sum plus monthly payments. Apply within 3 months of death for full backdated payment.
Funeral arrangements: Finalize the date, time, and format (burial or cremation). Inform family and friends. Arrange flowers, catering, and transport if needed. The funeral director will coordinate most of this, but you'll need to make key decisions about music, readings, and who will speak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not ordering enough death certificates
Each bank, insurance company, and pension provider needs an original certificate. Order 5-10 at registration (£12.50 each) rather than paying £15+ later. You can't have too many, but you can definitely have too few.
Missing the registration deadline
Registering late can cause problems. Banks may refuse to release funds, funeral directors may delay arrangements, and you could face legal complications. Book your registrar appointment as soon as you have the medical certificate.
Cancelling services too quickly
Don't immediately cancel utilities, insurance, or phone contracts. You may need ongoing access to property, and some services are harder to reconnect than to maintain. Cancel strategically once you understand what's needed for estate administration.
Making expensive funeral decisions under pressure
Funeral directors may present expensive options as standard. Don't feel pressured to choose elaborate packages. A simple funeral can be just as meaningful and costs £2,000-£4,000 vs £6,000+ for elaborate arrangements. Take time to compare quotes.
Distributing belongings too soon
Wait until after the funeral and, ideally, after receiving probate before distributing personal belongings. Items may be needed for valuation, and hasty distribution can cause family disputes. Keep everything secure and documented.
Emotional Management During Week One
The administrative burden in the first week comes at your most vulnerable time. Here's how to manage both the practical tasks and your emotional wellbeing:
Delegate Where Possible
- • Ask family members to split tasks - one person handles banks, another does utilities
- • Let the funeral director guide you through registration and certificates
- • Accept offers of help with practical tasks (shopping, pet care, property checks)
- • Don't feel you must do everything yourself to "prove" you're coping
Protect Your Mental Health
- • Schedule administrative tasks for when you feel most alert (usually mornings)
- • Take breaks between phone calls - you don't have to do everything in one day
- • Keep a notebook to track what you've done - grief affects memory
- • It's okay to cry during phone calls - organisations are used to dealing with bereaved people
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss the 5-day registration deadline?
Contact the register office immediately. They may still register the death, but you'll need to explain the delay. The registrar may involve the coroner if the death wasn't registered in time, which can delay everything further. Always book your appointment as soon as you have the medical certificate.
Do I need to tell everyone this week?
No. You only need to tell close family, the funeral director, and complete the legal registration within 5 days. Use Tell Us Once for government departments. Banks and other organisations can wait until after the funeral if you need more time. Focus on the time-sensitive legal requirements first.
How much will the first week cost?
Registration is free. Death certificates cost £12.50 each (budget for 5-10). Funeral director deposit is typically £500-£1,500. Total first-week costs are usually £500-£2,000 including initial funeral payments. You may be able to access funds from the deceased's bank account to cover these costs without probate.
What if the death is being investigated by the coroner?
You can't register the death until the coroner releases the body. This typically takes 1-2 weeks for straightforward cases, but can take months if there's an inquest. The coroner will issue an interim certificate so you can still notify banks and claim benefits. The funeral director will liaise with the coroner's office on your behalf.
Can I take time off work?
You're entitled to time off for a close relative's death, but there's no legal requirement for employers to pay you (unless it's in your contract). Most employers offer 2-5 days paid bereavement leave. You can also take unpaid parental leave, annual leave, or request compassionate leave. Speak to your HR department about your options.
Do I need a solicitor in the first week?
No. You don't need legal advice for death registration, funeral arrangements, or basic notifications. You may want a solicitor later for probate, especially if the estate is complex, there's inheritance tax to pay, or there are disputes. Focus on the practical tasks first - legal advice can wait until after the funeral.
Remember
- • Take breaks when you need them
- • Ask family and friends for help
- • Some tasks can wait if you're not ready
- • Keep copies of all important documents
Related Guides
Emergency Checklist: First Day After Death
Critical tasks for the first 24 hours after someone dies. A clear, prioritized checklist when you're overwhelmed.
What to Do When Someone Dies
A practical step-by-step guide to handling death admin in the UK — from the first 5 days to dealing with the estate.
What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
Step-by-step guide for handling a death at home, including who to call, what to expect, and immediate next steps.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
Complete guide to hospital death procedures, bereavement offices, and collecting belongings and documentation.
Who to Call First When Someone Dies
Know exactly who to contact and in what order, from emergency services to funeral directors and family.