Guidance on What to Do When Someone Dies
Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and knowing what to do when someone dies can feel daunting. At Vault Private Client, we provide practical and compassionate support to guide you through the immediate and longer-term steps. From registering the death and arranging the funeral to managing probate and estate administration, our team ensures you’re supported at every stage.
We offer specialist legal help after a death, helping you notify organisations, deal with financial affairs, and protect the estate. Whether you need assistance with obtaining death certificates, understanding probate requirements, or contacting banks or building societies, we take care of the legal process so you can focus on your family.
Practical Bereavement Support and Estate Guidance
After a death, there are many practical steps to take. We help you with:
- Registering the death with the local council using the medical certificate.
- Ordering certified death certificates to notify organisations such as banks, insurers, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
- Contacting utility companies, insurance providers, and councils to update records.
- Supporting you with arranging the funeral and liaising with the funeral director.
- Starting probate, including applications to the probate registry for a grant of probate or letters of administration.
- Helping you administer the estate, from valuing assets to paying inheritance tax and distributing to beneficiaries.
By working with us, you receive clear legal advice and compassionate guidance, ensuring nothing is overlooked and every step is handled with care.
Frequently Asked Questions.
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1. What to do when someone dies?Start by taking time to grieve. When ready, register the death with your local council using the medical certificate, and order certified death certificates. Notify organisations—such as banks, utility companies, insurers, and HMRC—using the government’s Tell Us Once service to begin the administrative process.
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2. Who handles the estate, and what does that involve?If there is a will, the named executor manages the estate. If not, an administrator is appointed under intestacy rules to obtain a grant of probate or letters of administration. They gather assets, notify institutions, settle debts, and distribute the estate according to law.
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3. Why do I need certified copies of the death certificate, and how many?Certified copies are required by institutions like banks, insurers, and funeral directors. Ordering multiple copies at the time of registration can save delays and costs later on.
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4. How do I claim benefits or pensions after a death?Notify the DWP and pensions providers promptly using the reference numbers from the death registration. This avoids overpayments and ensures entitlements are processed without delay.
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5. Do I need to notify utility companies and broadband providers?Yes. Inform providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, council tax) to halt bills or transfer accounts. We can support you with these notifications to reduce stress.
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6. Can funerals proceed before we handle legal steps?Yes. Funerals can be arranged with a funeral director once you have the medical certificate. Probate and estate matters follow separately, and our team ensures both processes are handled sensitively.
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7. How do I access bank accounts or financial documents when someone has died?You’ll need certified death certificates and proof of your role as executor/administrator. Banks or building societies will release funds once this is verified. We can liaise with them directly on your behalf.
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8. Can probate start before debts are paid?Yes. Probate can begin before debts are cleared, but all outstanding liabilities must be settled before assets are distributed. This includes notifying creditors and HMRC to calculate any inheritance tax or outstanding bills.
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9. Where can I find grief or bereavement services?We work closely with trusted local bereavement services across Cheshire—such as East Cheshire Hospice and Once Upon a Smile—who provide counselling, peer support, and guidance. We’ll help connect you with the right service for your circumstances.
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10. What happens if the Will cannot be found?If the Will is lost, the estate may be treated as though the person died intestate (without a Will). In some cases, a copy of the Will can be submitted to court, but professional legal advice is essential to avoid disputes.
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11. How soon should I notify pension providers and insurers?You should contact pension providers and insurers as soon as possible with the death certificate and policy or plan details. Prompt action prevents overpayments, ensures claims are processed, and avoids complications for the estate.
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THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.
Our dedicated team is here to support you through one of life’s most difficult moments. With a balance of legal expertise and compassion, we help you navigate the practical and emotional challenges following a bereavement.
Russell Kaminski
Partner and Head of Private Client
Lucy Cresswell
Associate
Alison Rocca
Partner
Jason Stanley
Partner
Holly Greensmith
Solicitor
Matt Fleetwood
Group Chief Executive & Founder
Mark Dawson
Group Managing Director
Amanda McAlister
Head of Group Consumer Brands
Because We Are Here To Help You
We understand that losing a loved one is never easy. By combining legal expertise with genuine care, our team ensures you are never left facing the challenges of bereavement alone.
Contact us today for trusted guidance on probate, estate administration, and all aspects of bereavement support.
“Russell is very knowledgeable, he offers alternatives to clients and keeps a calm and professional manner. He is efficient and will keep clients informed of what is happening."
Probate Client
