What to Do When Someone Dies (Step-by-Step, England & Wales)

When someone dies, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed — especially in the first few days when there are immediate tasks to deal with.

The key is to follow the right steps, in the right order.

Getting this wrong early on is one of the main reasons probate ends up delayed or more complicated than it needs to be.

Below is a simple, practical guide to help you get started.

This guide sits within our wider support on executors and estate administration, covering what you’re responsible for and how the process works in practice.

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Watch: What to Do When Someone Dies (Step-by-Step)

If you’d prefer a quick walkthrough, this video explains the key steps and the common mistakes to avoid in the early stages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67Girk5qE1s

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Step 1 – Confirm the Death and Get the Medical Certificate

The first step is to obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

This is usually issued by a doctor or hospital and is required before you can register the death.

Without it, nothing else can move forward.

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Step 2 – Register the Death

You normally need to register the death within five days in England and Wales.

This is done through your local Register Office, usually by booking an appointment.

At the appointment, you’ll receive:

• The death certificate (buy several copies — most organisations will ask for one)

• Access to the Tell Us Once service, which helps notify government departments

Step 3 – Find the Will

Before taking any further action, check whether there is a will.

The will confirms:

• Who the executor is (the person responsible for dealing with the estate)

• Who inherits the estate

If there is no will, the rules are different and the next steps change — so it’s important to establish this early.

Step 4 – Secure the Estate

At this stage, your role is to protect the estate — not distribute anything.

Key actions include:

• Ensuring any property is locked and secure

• Checking insurance (many policies become invalid if a property is left unoccupied)

• Taking meter readings

• Redirecting post if needed

One of the most common mistakes is people trying to “sort things out” too early — for example, giving items away or moving money. This can create problems later on.

Step 5 – Identify Assets and Liabilities

You now need to build a picture of what’s in the estate.

This includes:

• Bank accounts

• Property

• Investments

• Pensions

• Debts

You don’t need exact valuations at this stage, but you do need to understand what exists.

This step is important because it determines:

• Whether probate is required

• How complex the process will be

Missing something here can cause delays later — or issues with HMRC.

Step 6 – Don’t Apply for Probate Too Early

A common mistake is applying for probate too soon.

Before applying, you usually need:

• A clear understanding of the estate

• In some cases, inheritance tax to be dealt with

Applying too early can lead to delays or require parts of the process to be redone.

If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to apply, I’ve explained this in more detail here:

→ When Should You NOT Apply for Probate Yet? (England & Wales)

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The Correct Order (Quick Summary)

To keep things simple, the correct order is:

1. Confirm the death and obtain the medical certificate

2. Register the death

3. Find the will

4. Secure the estate

5. Identify assets and liabilities

6. Then begin preparing for probate

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Need a Clear Step-by-Step Guide?

If you want a more structured, detailed walkthrough of the entire process, you can follow a step-by-step guide here: → Probate Done Properly

This covers exactly what to do at each stage, with practical guidance to help you avoid common mistakes.

If you’re not completely sure what applies in your situation, you can also book a short call where we go through it and I’ll tell you exactly what to do next: Clarity Call

Alternatively, you may wish to read our article Should You Use a Solicitor for Probate? When DIY Makes Sense

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing you should do when someone dies?

The first step is to obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from a doctor or hospital.

This is required before you can register the death and begin dealing with the estate.

How soon do you need to register a death in England and Wales?

In most cases, you must register the death within five days. This is done through a local

Register Office, usually by appointment.

Do you need to find the will straight away?

Yes — finding the will early is important because it confirms who the executor is and who is responsible for dealing with the estate.

Can you access bank accounts immediately after someone dies?

No — most accounts are frozen once the bank is notified of the death. Funds are usually only released once probate has been granted, although some banks may allow payments for funeral costs.

Do you need probate straight away?

Not always. In many cases, you should not apply for probate immediately, as you first need to understand the estate and, where applicable, deal with inheritance tax.

What happens if there is no will?

If there is no will, the estate is dealt with under the rules of intestacy. An administrator is appointed instead of an executor, and the process for dealing with the estate is slightly different.

What is the role of an executor?

An executor is responsible for managing the estate. This includes identifying assets and liabilities, applying for probate, paying any debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.