*last updated December 2025
Having a friend or relative pass is always going to be an emotional time. Alongside grief comes a host of practical, legal and financial tasks – from registering the death, to contacting banks and utility providers, and perhaps administering an estate.
The practicalities will often and understandably be the last thing on your mind, but it is important for you, your family, and your friends to know who will be required to do what and where this leaves you in doing so.
If you’re wondering what to do when someone dies in the UK, this guide will walk you through the essential next steps and explain when the probate process or grant of probate may be required.
First practical steps immediately after death
When someone dies, there are a few essential tasks that must be completed before you can begin dealing with their estate. These first steps can feel overwhelming, but following a clear process can help you stay organised during a difficult time and support other family members who may also be navigating the loss. In some cases, you may also be informed that a post mortem examination is required, which can affect how quickly certain steps can be completed.
Register the death
The first formal step is to register the death, usually within eight days in Scotland (five days in England and Wales). When registering, you’ll be asked for important information such as the person’s full name, date and place of birth, occupation, and marital status.
In Scotland, you can register a death if you:
- are a family member of the person who has died
- were present when the person died
- are an executor or solicitor of the person who has died
- are the funeral director and have agreed to register the death in line with the family's wishes
In England and Wales, the death must be registered at the local Registrar’s Office. You’ll need the doctor’s medical certificate confirming cause of death. At registration, you can order multiple copies of the death certificate, which you will likely need later when dealing with banks, insurers, pension providers, and other organisations.
Obtain death certificates
Once the registration is complete, you will receive the death certificate.
It’s advisable to request multiple certified copies of the death certificate at this stage. Many organisations including banks, pension providers, and insurance companies, require an original copy before they will release information or close accounts. Ordering extra copies early can prevent delays later in the process, especially when you begin the probate or estate administration process.
Notify relevant organisations
Use the government’s “Tell Us Once” service (if available) to notify several government departments at once, such as HMRC, DWP, DVLA, the Passport Office and your local council.
Alongside notifying government departments, you will also need to contact relevant private sector organisations. These include financial institutions (banks, building societies), mortgage providers or the landlord, pension providers, insurers, and any other bodies where the deceased had active accounts or commitments.
Informing these organisations helps freeze accounts and prevent fraudulent activity. It’s also a crucial step towards valuing the estate if probate is required.
Arrange the funeral and immediate matters
Once the death has been registered and the immediate notifications have been made, your next focus should be on arranging the funeral and ensuring any short-term financial matters are handled appropriately.
Before dealing with assets or legalities, practical matters such as funeral arrangements, caring for dependants or pets, and cancelling ongoing payments (subscriptions, utility companies, etc.) may need attention. This is also a good time to find bereavement support or check whether any bereavement benefits may be available to help you or other family members during this difficult period.
Check for bereavement benefits or Government support
Depending on the circumstances, relatives may be entitled to certain forms of financial help. This may include:
- Bereavement support payment (for the deceased's spouse or civil partner)
- Help with funeral expenses under certain conditions
- Local authority support in specific situations
These benefit claims can make a meaningful difference at a difficult time, so it’s worth checking eligibility early.
Next, check if you require the Probate or Confirmation process
Not every death will lead to probate. Whether probate is needed depends on the nature of the deceased’s assets and how they are held.
If the person owned property, had substantial savings, investments, or there are debts or liabilities under their name, a legal estate administration may be required.
If all assets were jointly held (for example, a jointly owned house with a surviving spouse) or the estate is relatively small and straightforward, the deceased’s assets may pass directly to the surviving owner(s) without the need for probate.
If probate is required, then you will need to follow a series of steps to obtain a grant of probate (or letters of administration, if there is no will).
A step by step guide to Probate and Confirmation
Whether you’re dealing with a simple estate or something more complex, understanding the probate process in the UK is essential to making informed decisions and avoiding costly delays.
Identifying the executor or administrator
The probate process begins by confirming who has the legal authority to manage the person’s estate. If the deceased left a valid will, the named executor(s) can apply for probate and begin the estate administration process.
What if there is no will?
When someone dies without leaving a valid will, they are said to have died intestate. In these cases, the law sets out who is entitled to deal with the estate and how the estate must be distributed. The closest living relative (typically a spouse, civil partner, or adult child) can usually apply to the court for Letters of Administration, which give them the legal authority to manage the estate.
If you’re unsure whether you are entitled to act, or if there is any disagreement among relatives, Jones Whyte have a dedicated bereavement department that can provide early legal advice to prevent delays and unnecessary conflict.
Valuing the estate
Before you can apply for probate, you must complete a full valuation of the person’s estate. This includes identifying all assets and liabilities, such as:
- Property
- Bank or building society accounts
- Savings, investments and pensions
- Personal possessions such as expensive jewellery, art, vehicles etc.
- Any outstanding debts such as mortgages, loans or credit card agreements
You must also take into account any gifts made by the deceased in the previous seven years, as these may affect the overall estate value. A thorough valuation ensures that the correct reporting is given to HMRC and that you have an accurate understanding of what money, assets and liabilities form part of the estate.
Inheritance tax and estate reporting
Once the estate has been valued, you must determine whether Inheritance Tax (IHT) is payable. If the estate exceeds certain thresholds, or includes specific types of assets or gifts, you may be required to complete IHT forms and report the estate to HMRC before probate can be granted.
Completing this stage accurately is essential, as executors and administrators can become personally liable for mistakes. If you are unsure, seeking professional advice early in the process can prevent delays or errors later on.
Apply for Probate or Letters of Administration
When the IHT position has been confirmed, you (or your solicitor) can apply for probate online or by post. A Grant of Probate gives the executor legal authority to administer the estate, while a Grant of Letters of Administration provides equivalent authority when there is no will.
Once granted, usually within a few months, you will formally have the power to deal with the estate, including collecting assets, closing accounts, and handling property or other belongings.
Winding up the estate (after probate is granted)
After probate is granted, you can begin the practical steps of administering the estate:
- Notify banks, building societies, pension providers and insurers and provide them with a copy of the grant so they can release funds or close accounts.
- Close or transfer accounts and arrange to sell or transfer property, investments, shares, or other estate assets as appropriate.
- Pay outstanding debts, tax liabilities, funeral expenses, and any other costs owed by the estate.
- Distribute the remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the valid will, or if there is no will, in line with the UK intestacy rules.
Throughout this stage, executors often benefit from specialist legal advice, particularly where the person’s estate involves complex assets, multiple beneficiaries, or significant sums of money.
Common complications and when to get legal advice
Not all estates are straightforward. Many families encounter issues that make the probate process significantly more complex. Complications may arise where the estate includes:
- Property, particularly if jointly owned or of the title is unclear
- Assets located overseas, such as foreign bank accounts or holiday homes
- Business interests, partnerships, or company shares and stocks
- Multiple beneficiaries, especially where relationships are strained
Missing paperwork, unreported assets, significant debts or unresolved lifetime gifts can further add to the complexity.
Seek advice from an expert probate solicitor
In these situations, professional support is strongly recommended. A probate solicitor can provide clarity, prevent mistakes, handle communication between parties, and ensure that all legal requirements, including tax submissions, are met correctly. This can reduce stress, speed up the process, and help avoid costly disputes.
As a multi-service law firm with dedicated Probate & Executry specialists, we are here to support you through every stage of the process. If you would like advice or assistance with obtaining the Grant of Probate, dealing with an estate, or understanding your rights, please feel free to get in touch with our team.
The Jones Whyte Bereavement Team can be contacted by phone at 0141 674 6401 or via our contact form below.
Please note: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. If you need advice on a legal matter, get in touch with our team.
