Bereavement Guide: First Practical Steps
A calm, practical bereavement guide for England and Wales covering first steps after a death and where wills and probate fit in.
A practical starting point
The first days after a death can feel overwhelming. A simple checklist helps you focus on what needs to happen first and what can wait.
Immediate priorities
- Obtain formal documentation required after death
- Notify relevant institutions in an organised sequence
- Locate the will (if one exists)
- Identify who is handling administration
Locate key documents early
Try to find:
- The signed original will
- Death certificates and related records
- Contact details for executors or legal advisers
- Core financial records for the estate
Where probate may fit
Whether probate is required depends on the estate and asset-holding structure. Executors or administrators usually gather valuations and records before applying.
Communication matters
Keep one timeline of actions and maintain clear notes of who has been notified. This reduces duplication and helps family members stay aligned.
If no will is found
Where there is no valid will, intestacy rules may apply. That changes who can administer the estate and who inherits.
Next steps
- Step-by-step guide: What to Do When Someone Dies
- Find documents: How to Find a Will
- Understand probate: What Is Probate?
Related guides
What to Do When Someone Dies
A practical step-by-step guide to what you need to do when a loved one dies in England and Wales.
How to Find a Will
Where to look for a deceased person's will, and what to do if you can't find one.
What Is Probate and Do You Need It?
A plain English explanation of probate — what it is, when it's needed, and how the process works in England and Wales.
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