UK After-Death Checklist

UK After-Death Checklist
A complete, step-by-step guide on what to do and who to notify after a death

Losing a loved one is overwhelming. Alongside grief, families are often faced with complex legal, financial, and administrative tasks at a time when clarity and support are needed most.

The UK After-Death Checklist provides a clear, compassionate roadmap for navigating what to do when someone dies in the UK. Written in plain English, this practical guide helps you understand each step, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure nothing important is missed.

This comprehensive UK-specific guide walks you through the entire after-death process, from the first few days through to final estate administration, with clear explanations of who to notify, what forms are required, and which deadlines matter most.

Inside this guide, you will find:
• Immediate steps to take after a death, including registering the death and arranging the funeral
• How to use the Tell Us Once service and notify government departments
• Guidance on probate, inheritance tax, and intestacy rules
• Financial matters including pensions, bank accounts, insurance, and unclaimed assets
• Bereavement benefits and time-critical claims many families miss
• Council Tax exemptions and discounts after a death
• How joint accounts and jointly owned property are treated
• Digital legacy planning and managing online accounts
• Protecting children, guardianship, and inheritance considerations
• Common mistakes to avoid and a clear timeline of critical deadlines

This updated 2026 edition also includes vital but often overlooked information, such as the ISA Additional Permitted Subscription (APS), guidance on finding lost pensions and dormant accounts, and practical wellbeing support for those navigating grief.

Whether you are dealing with a bereavement right now or planning ahead to protect your loved ones, this checklist is designed to bring structure, reassurance, and peace of mind during one of life's most difficult moments.

Written by Wayne Hutchinson and Nadeen Swaby, founders of Handle My Affairs, this guide combines professional training with lived experience of loss. Their approach is compassionate, practical, and focused on empowering families with clear, reliable information.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional legal or financial advice.