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.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
Expected death at home: call the GP or palliative care team to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). Unexpected death: call 999; police will attend and notify the coroner. Hospital/care home: staff handle everything. Then contact a funeral director (can wait 1-2 days) and the registrar to register the death (within 5 days), and notify family first.
Don't move the person or disturb the scene. Police and paramedics will guide you.
Once death is confirmed, notify immediate family in this order:
Keep initial calls brief. Just share the essential information - details can follow later.
Contact a funeral director within 24 hours:
Many funeral directors operate 24/7. Even if you call late at night or early morning, they can provide initial guidance and arrange collection.
These calls can wait until after the first day but should be made within a few days:
Ask close family members or friends to help make these calls. Create a list and divide it among several people to share the emotional burden.
"I have some very sad news. [Name] died [today/yesterday] [at home/in hospital]. The death was [expected/sudden]. I wanted you to know. I'll call you with more details about arrangements when I have them."
"I need to report that [Name], who was born [date] and lived at [address], died [today/yesterday]. I need guidance on what to do next."
Making these calls is emotionally draining. Ask family members or close friends to help share the calls. Keep a list of who has been contacted to avoid confusion later.
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.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95