Guides · 133 articles
What to do, what to feel,
when you don't know what to do.
Plain-English guides to the admin, the paperwork, and the parts that aren't paperwork. Written with bereavement specialists, read by 40,000+ families a year.
Guide · Anticipatory grief
The grief that arrives before the goodbye.
When someone you love is dying, you can already be grieving — for them, for the future, for yourself. A gentle guide to anticipatory grief, written with palliative care nurses.
Inherited Property: Should You Sell, Rent or Keep It? A UK Guide
If you inherit a house or flat, deciding whether to sell, rent or keep it can be emotionally and financially difficult. This UK guide helps you think it through.
Funeral Deposits and Payment Options in the UK
Many funeral directors ask for a deposit before the funeral. This UK guide explains who is responsible, how families usually pay, and what help may be available.
How to Redirect Post After a Death in the UK
Redirecting post after a death can stop missed bills, protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of fraud. This UK guide explains when to do it and how.
Protecting Against Identity Theft After Someone Dies: A UK Guide
Fraud after a death is more common than many families realise. This practical UK guide explains how to reduce the risk and what to do if something looks wrong.
What Is a Letter of Wishes and Do You Need One? A UK Guide
A letter of wishes can sit alongside your will and explain your intentions in plain English. Here is what it does, what it should include and what it cannot do.
Water Cremation in the UK: What It Is, How It Works and Where Things Stand
Water cremation is an emerging alternative to burial and flame cremation. Here is what it means, how it works and where it currently stands across the UK.
What to Expect at a Muslim Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
A respectful UK guide to Muslim funerals, including timing, burial, prayers, family customs and what non-Muslim friends should expect.
How to Value a House for Probate in the UK
A practical UK guide to valuing a house for probate, including date-of-death value, when to get a professional valuation and common mistakes to avoid.
Scattering Ashes in the UK: Rules, Places and What to Know
A simple UK guide to scattering ashes after cremation, including permission, public places, the sea and practical etiquette.
Mirror Wills Explained: Should Couples Use Them in the UK?
A clear UK guide to mirror wills: what they are, how they work, when they help, and the risks couples should understand before signing.
What Happens to Trusts When Someone Dies in the UK?
A plain-English UK guide to what happens to a trust after death, who is responsible, when probate is still needed, and what families should look for first.
How to Amend a Will in the UK: Codicils, Rewriting and When to Start Again
Need to change a will in the UK? This guide explains codicils, when a new will is better, and the mistakes that can cause family problems later.
Lasting Power of Attorney Explained: A Complete UK Guide
A simple UK guide to lasting power of attorney: what it is, the two types, how to set one up, what it costs and when families usually need one.
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans: Are They Worth It in 2026?
Thinking about a pre-paid funeral plan? This UK guide explains what they cover, what they do not, how FCA regulation works and when a plan is worth it.
Dating After Bereavement: When You're Ready and How to Cope
A gentle guide to dating after bereavement, including guilt, children, family reactions, safety and how to know when you may be ready for a new relationship.
What Is Next of Kin in the UK? Rights and Responsibilities Explained
What next of kin really means in the UK, what rights it does and does not give, and how to protect the person you want involved.
Letters of Administration UK: What They Are and When You Need Them
A simple guide to letters of administration in the UK: what they are, when they are needed, who can apply, and what happens if there is no will.
Funeral Expenses Payment: Who Can Claim and How to Apply
A clear UK guide to Funeral Expenses Payment, including who can claim, what it covers, how to apply, and what to do if it is not enough.
How to Create a Funeral Order of Service in the UK
A practical guide to creating a funeral order of service — what to include, how to structure it, and where to get it printed in the UK.
What Happens to Cryptocurrency When Someone Dies in the UK
Cryptocurrency doesn't disappear when someone dies — but without the right keys and planning, it can become permanently inaccessible. Here's what UK families need to know.
Grief After Losing a Child: The Pain That No Words Can Reach
Losing a child is the most devastating grief a person can face. This guide offers gentle support for bereaved parents navigating the unimaginable.
What Happens to a Business When the Owner Dies in the UK
What happens to a sole trader, partnership, or limited company when the owner dies? A practical UK guide for executors and families.
Grief After Losing a Pet: Why It Hurts and How to Cope
Losing a pet can be devastating. This guide explains why pet grief hits so hard, how to cope, and where to find support in the UK.
How to Choose a Funeral Director in the UK
A practical guide to finding and choosing the right funeral director, including what to look for, questions to ask, and how to compare costs.
Inheritance Disputes in the UK: What to Do When Families Disagree
Inheritance disputes can tear families apart during an already painful time. Learn what causes them, how UK law handles contested wills, and practical steps to resolve disagreements.
Grief Journaling: How Writing Can Help You Heal After Loss
Grief journaling can help you process difficult emotions after losing someone. Learn how to start, what to write, and why putting feelings on paper supports healing.
Funeral Music: How to Choose the Right Songs for a Service
Choosing funeral music is deeply personal and often overwhelming. This guide covers how to pick the right songs, popular choices in the UK, and practical tips for getting it right.
Pre-Planning Your Own Funeral in the UK: A Practical Guide
Planning your own funeral may feel uncomfortable, but it's one of the kindest things you can do for your family. Here's how to get started in the UK.
Grief and Relationships: How Bereavement Affects Your Closest Bonds
Grief doesn't just change you — it changes your relationships. Here's how bereavement affects marriages, friendships and family bonds, and what you can do about it.
How Much Does Probate Cost in the UK?
A clear breakdown of probate fees, solicitor costs and hidden expenses in the UK — so you can budget with confidence during an already difficult time.
What to Wear to a Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
Not sure what to wear to a funeral? This guide covers dress codes, appropriate colours, and what to avoid so you can attend with confidence.
Grief After Losing a Friend: Why It Hurts More Than People Expect
Losing a friend can be devastating, yet friend grief is often overlooked. This guide explores why it hurts so much and how to navigate the loss.
What Happens to a Rented Property When a Tenant Dies in the UK
When a tenant dies, their tenancy doesn't automatically end. This guide explains succession rights, clearing the property, and ending a lease.
Grief After Losing a Spouse or Partner: What to Expect and How to Cope
Losing a husband, wife or partner is one of life's most devastating experiences. This guide explores what spousal grief feels like and how to navigate the months ahead.
Memorial Service vs Funeral: What Is the Difference?
Not sure about the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? This guide explains how they differ, when to hold each, and how to plan a meaningful tribute.
What Happens to Premium Bonds When Someone Dies in the UK
A clear guide to what happens to Premium Bonds after a death, including how to claim them, whether they still win prizes, and what NS&I needs from you.
Executor Expenses: What Costs You Can Claim Back in the UK
Executors can claim back reasonable expenses from the estate. Learn what costs are covered, how to keep records, and what you cannot charge for.
Grief After Losing a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourners
Sibling grief is often overlooked. This guide explores why losing a brother or sister is so painful, and how to cope when the world focuses on everyone else's loss.
What Happens to Pets When Someone Dies in the UK
When someone dies, their pets need immediate care. This guide covers the legal position, rehoming options, and how to plan ahead for your own animals.
Funeral Poems and Readings: Finding the Right Words When It Matters Most
A gentle guide to choosing funeral poems and readings — popular choices, lesser-known gems, and advice on how to read aloud with confidence.
How to Write a Will in the UK: A Simple, Practical Guide
A clear guide to writing a valid will in the UK — what you need, how much it costs, and why it matters more than you think.
Grief Brain: Why Bereavement Causes Forgetfulness, Brain Fog and Confusion
Struggling with memory, concentration or brain fog after a bereavement? Here's why it happens and what you can do about it.
What to Expect at a Cremation Service in the UK
A gentle guide to what happens at a cremation service in the UK, from arrival to collection of ashes, so you know what to expect on the day.
Grief and Loneliness: Coping When Loss Leaves You Feeling Alone
Grief can be deeply lonely, even when you're surrounded by people. This guide explores why bereavement loneliness happens and how to cope with it.
What Happens to ISAs and Investments When Someone Dies in the UK
A clear guide to what happens to ISAs, shares, and investments after a death in the UK, including tax rules and how to transfer or cash them in.
What to Do When Someone Dies Abroad: A UK Guide
Practical guidance for UK families when a loved one dies overseas, covering repatriation, documentation, and consular support.
How to Transfer Property After Death in the UK
A practical guide to transferring property ownership after someone dies in the UK, covering probate, Land Registry, and joint ownership.
Bereavement Scams: How to Protect Yourself After a Death
How to spot and avoid common scams that target bereaved families in the UK, from fake debt collectors to inheritance fraud.
What Happens to Power of Attorney After Death in the UK
Power of attorney ends immediately when someone dies. Here is what attorneys need to know, do, and avoid to stay on the right side of the law.
Grief and Anger: Why Bereavement Can Make You Furious
Anger during grief is normal, common, and nothing to be ashamed of. Here is why it happens and how to work through it without it consuming you.
How to Write an Obituary in the UK: A Thoughtful Guide
A gentle, step-by-step guide to writing an obituary in the UK, including what to include, where to publish, and how much it costs.
When a Death Is Referred to the Coroner: What Happens Next
If a death is referred to the coroner, here is what to expect. A clear guide to inquests, post-mortems, and timelines in England and Wales.
Supporting a Bereaved Employee: A Guide for UK Managers
Practical guidance for managers supporting a grieving colleague. Covers bereavement leave, return-to-work conversations, and ongoing support.
How Much Does a Funeral Cost in the UK in 2026?
Average UK funeral costs in 2026, from traditional services to direct cremation. A practical breakdown to help you plan and manage expenses.
The Tell Us Once Service: How One Phone Call Saves You Hours of Admin
The Tell Us Once service lets you notify most government departments of a death in a single phone call. Here is how it works and what it covers.
What to Do With Ashes After Cremation in the UK
After a cremation, deciding what to do with ashes can feel overwhelming. This guide covers scattering, burial, keepsakes, and the UK rules you need to know.
Grant of Probate vs Letters of Administration: What Is the Difference?
Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration both give legal authority to manage a deceased person's estate - but which one applies depends on whether there is a will.
Bereavement Counselling in the UK: What to Expect, What It Costs and How to Find Help
A practical guide to bereavement counselling in the UK, covering NHS and private options, typical costs, what sessions involve, and how to find support near you.
How to Value an Estate for Probate in the UK
A step-by-step guide to valuing an estate for probate in the UK, covering property, bank accounts, investments, personal possessions and debts.
Grief After Losing a Parent: What Nobody Prepares You For
Losing a parent as an adult is one of life's most disorienting experiences. This guide explores why it hits so hard and how to find your way through.
How Long Does Probate Take in the UK?
Probate in the UK typically takes 6 to 12 months from start to finish. Here is a breakdown of each stage, what causes delays, and how to speed things up.
Dealing With Grief: A Complete Guide
Grief is one of the hardest things any of us will face. This guide covers the stages of grief, practical coping strategies, and where to find support.
What Is Probate? A Simple UK Guide
Probate is the legal process of proving a will and gaining authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. Here is everything you need to know.
Death Checklist UK: What to Do After Someone Dies
A simple UK death checklist covering the first steps, key documents, financial tasks and where to get an interactive bereavement checklist.
What Happens to a Mortgage When Someone Dies in the UK
When someone with a mortgage dies, their family needs to understand what happens next. This guide explains your options, from life insurance to selling the property.
Grief and Identity: Rebuilding a Sense of Self After Losing Someone
Losing someone close can shake your sense of who you are. This article explores why grief affects identity and how to gently rebuild when everything feels unfamiliar.
Green Funerals and Natural Burials in the UK: A Complete Guide
More families are choosing eco-friendly funerals. This guide covers natural burial grounds, biodegradable coffins, woodland burials, and how to plan a green funeral in the UK.
How to Claim Life Insurance After a Death in the UK
A clear guide to finding and claiming life insurance policies after someone dies, including what documents you need and how long it takes.
The Physical Side of Grief: How Bereavement Affects Your Body
Grief is not just emotional. Learn about the real physical symptoms of bereavement, from exhaustion and chest pain to appetite changes, and what to do about them.
How to Sort Through a Loved One's Belongings After They Die
A practical and sensitive guide to clearing a loved one's home and sorting through their personal belongings after a bereavement in the UK.
Deed of Variation After Death: What UK Families Need to Know
A deed of variation lets beneficiaries redirect an inheritance after someone dies. Learn how it works, the tax benefits, and the strict two-year deadline.
Grief and Guilt: Why We Blame Ourselves After Someone Dies
Guilt is one of grief's heaviest companions. Explore why self-blame is so common after bereavement and find gentle ways to ease its weight.
How to Cancel a Mobile Phone Contract After a Death in the UK
A step-by-step guide to cancelling or transferring a mobile phone contract when someone dies, including what each major UK provider needs from you.
The Loneliness of Being the Practical One After Someone Dies
In every family, one person ends up holding it all together after a death. They are grieving too. This is for the person managing everything while nobody notices.
UK Funeral Industry Regulation in 2026: What Families Need to Know
The UK government is set to announce the first statutory regulation of the funeral industry this summer. Here's what it means for bereaved families.
Grieving a Complicated Relationship: When Loss and Relief Exist Together
When someone you had a difficult or estranged relationship with dies, grief can feel confusing and contradictory. Here's why that's completely normal.
Grief and Sleep: Why Bereavement Makes Rest So Difficult
Struggling to sleep after losing someone? You are not alone. Learn why grief disrupts sleep and discover practical, gentle ways to find rest again.
How to Notify the DVLA When Someone Dies: A Complete UK Guide
A clear guide to notifying the DVLA after a bereavement, including how to return a driving licence, update vehicle records, and avoid penalties.
Anticipatory Grief: When Mourning Begins Before Someone Dies
Anticipatory grief is the pain of losing someone while they are still here. Learn what it is, why it happens, and how to cope with this hidden form of mourning.
Cohabiting Partners and Death: The Rights You May Not Have
Millions of UK couples live together without marrying. When one partner dies, the survivor can face devastating legal gaps. Here is what you need to know.
How to Deal with Debt When Someone Dies in the UK
A clear guide to understanding what happens to debt after a death in the UK, who is responsible, and how to handle creditors during an already difficult time.
How to Tell HMRC That Someone Has Died: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical guide to notifying HMRC after a death in the UK, including income tax, self-assessment, and what the executor needs to do.
The Paperwork Grief: When Administration Becomes Part of Mourning
Nobody warns you about the relentless admin that follows a death. For many people, the paperwork becomes tangled up with the grief itself.
What Happens to a Car When Someone Dies? A UK Guide
Dealing with a deceased person's vehicle involves tax, insurance, registration and sometimes probate. This guide walks you through every step.
Joint Bank Accounts After a Death: What Happens and What You Need to Do
When a joint account holder dies, the surviving holder usually keeps access. But it is not always straightforward. Here is what you need to know.
Death Doulas Are on the Rise. Here Is Why It Matters
From Nicole Kidman to NHS funding, death doulas are going mainstream. What the trend tells us about how we are learning to face mortality, and what it means for families planning ahead.
The Things Nobody Tells You About Being an Executor
Being named as an executor sounds like an honour. In practice, it can be one of the most isolating and overwhelming roles you'll ever take on.
Free Legal Help for Probate and Estates in the UK
You don't always need to pay a solicitor to get through probate. Here are the free and low-cost legal resources available across the UK.
When Grief Comes in Waves: Understanding Delayed and Recurring Grief
Grief doesn't follow a schedule. Months or even years later, it can return with unexpected force. Here's why that happens and what to do about it.
Why Grief Has No Set Timeline: Giving Yourself Permission to Heal
There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no deadline for feeling better. Here's why your grief timeline is yours alone, and why that's okay.
How to Handle Someone's Digital Accounts After They Die
A practical guide to managing email, social media, banking apps and online subscriptions after a loved one passes away in the UK.
UK Probate Delays in 2026: What Executors Should Know
Probate waiting times have increased significantly in recent years. Here's what's happening, what it means for executors, and how to reduce delays.
How to Find and Access Bereavement Support Services Across the UK
A practical guide to finding free and low-cost bereavement support near you, from NHS services to local charities and helplines.
Supporting a Friend Through Grief: What to Say, What to Do, and What to Avoid
Practical advice on how to support someone who is grieving — what actually helps, what to say, and common mistakes to avoid.
What to Do in the First 48 Hours After Someone Dies: A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide
A calm, practical checklist of what needs to happen in the first 48 hours after a death — from getting a medical certificate to informing family.
APR and BPR Changes April 2026: What Families Need to Know About Inheritance Tax on Farms and Businesses
Major changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief take effect from April 2026. Here's what bereaved families and estate executors need to understand.
How to Calculate Inheritance Tax in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide with Worked Examples
Not sure if the estate you're dealing with owes inheritance tax? This plain-English guide walks you through the calculation step by step, with real examples.
What Happens to a Pension When Someone Dies in the UK
A clear guide to understanding what happens to workplace, state, and private pensions after a death, and how to make a claim as a beneficiary.
Choosing Between Burial and Cremation in the UK: What You Need to Know
A thoughtful guide comparing burial and cremation in the UK — covering costs, practicalities, religious considerations, and environmental options.
Coping with Grief on Birthdays, Anniversaries and Special Dates
Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays can reopen grief in unexpected ways. Here's how to navigate those difficult dates with compassion for yourself.
Helping Children Understand Death: Age-Appropriate Guidance for Families
Talking to children about death is one of the hardest things a parent can face. This guide offers age-appropriate advice for helping children understand and process loss.
Council Tax After a Bereavement: What Changes and What You Need to Do
After a bereavement, council tax can change significantly. Here's what you need to know about discounts, exemptions, and how to notify your council.
Returning to Work After Bereavement: A Gentle, Practical Guide
Going back to work after losing someone can feel impossible. Here's how to navigate the transition at your own pace, with practical tips for managing grief in the workplace.
Where to Find Bereavement Support in the UK: A Complete Guide
Whether you need someone to talk to, practical help with admin, or financial support after losing someone, this guide covers every bereavement service available in the UK.
Applying for Probate in the UK: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
Probate can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This plain-English guide walks you through every step of applying for probate in England and Wales — from valuing the estate to distributing assets.
The Grief Tax: The Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About After Someone Dies
Losing someone you love is devastating enough. But the financial, administrative, and emotional costs that follow — the 'grief tax' — can feel overwhelming. Here's what to expect and how to reduce the burden.
What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in the UK
When someone dies without a will, the rules of intestacy decide who inherits. Here's how it works in England and Wales, and what it means for you.
How to Get a Death Certificate in the UK
Everything you need to know about death certificates in the UK — how to get one, how much they cost, how many you need, and how to order extra copies.
How to Close a Bank Account When Someone Dies
A practical guide to notifying banks after a death, closing or freezing accounts, accessing funds, and what to do about joint accounts in the UK.
Bereavement Leave in the UK: What Are You Entitled To?
What are your rights to time off work after a bereavement? A guide to UK bereavement leave law, employer policies, and how to talk to your employer.
How to Deal with a Deceased Person's Property in the UK
What to do with a house or flat after someone dies — securing the property, insurance, selling or transferring, and clearing personal belongings.
Inheritance Tax Explained: A Plain-English Guide for Families
What is Inheritance Tax, who has to pay it, and how much could it cost? A simple guide to IHT thresholds, exemptions, and how to report to HMRC.
How to Write a Eulogy: A Gentle Guide for When Words Feel Impossible
Practical tips for writing and delivering a eulogy — how to get started, what to include, how long it should be, and how to get through it on the day.
How to Find a Lost Will in the UK
Can't find a will after someone has died? Here's where to look, who to contact, and what to do if no will can be found.
What to Write in a Sympathy Card: Thoughtful Messages That Actually Help
Struggling to find the right words for a sympathy card? Here's guidance on what to write, what to avoid, and how to offer comfort that truly means something.
What Is a Direct Cremation? A Guide to the UK's Simplest Funeral Option
What is a direct cremation, how much does it cost, and is it the right choice? A clear guide to the UK's most affordable and increasingly popular funeral option.
How to Register a Death in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical guide to registering a death in the UK — what documents you need, where to go, time limits, and what happens at the register office.
What to Do in the First Week After a Loss: A Gentle, Practical Guide
When someone dies, the first week can feel impossible. Here's a calm, step-by-step guide to what needs doing — and what can wait.
Supporting a Grieving Friend: What Actually Helps (And What Doesn't)
When someone you care about is grieving, it's hard to know what to say. Here's what actually helps — and what to avoid, even with the best intentions.
How to Communicate with Friends and Family After a Death
Losing someone you love can make even simple conversations feel overwhelming. Here are gentle, practical ways to communicate with loved ones during grief.
How to plan a funeral in the UK
A clear, step-by-step guide to planning a funeral in the UK — from choosing a funeral director to the service itself, costs, and the options available to you.
How to notify social media companies when a loved one dies
A practical guide to notifying Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and other platforms when someone dies — including how to memorialise or delete accounts.
Why We Built the UK's First Bereavement Management App
When someone dies in the UK, families face dozens of urgent tasks with almost no guidance. We built Passage to change that — a free bereavement management app.
Why Grief Comes in Waves (And Why That's Normal)
Many people expect grief to get steadily easier over time. Instead, it arrives in waves — sometimes out of nowhere. Here's what research says, and how to navigate it.
Do You Need a Solicitor for Probate?
Many executors hire a solicitor for probate by default. But is it always necessary? Here's when to DIY, when to get professional help, and what solicitors charge.
Self-Care When Everything Feels Overwhelming
Bereavement is exhausting in ways that go beyond grief. Here's practical, honest guidance on looking after yourself when you're also managing a thousand tasks.
Understanding DWP Bereavement Benefits
A guide to the bereavement benefits available from the DWP — who qualifies for Bereavement Support Payment, how to claim, and what you might be entitled to.
Cancelling Utilities and Subscriptions After a Death
A practical step-by-step guide to cancelling utilities, broadband, mobile phone contracts, streaming services, and subscriptions after someone dies.
Probate Explained: A Plain-English Guide for First-Time Executors
What is probate, when do you need it, and how does the process actually work? A jargon-free guide for first-time executors navigating an unfamiliar system.
Free Bereavement Support Services in the UK
A comprehensive guide to free, professional bereavement support available across the UK — from national helplines to specialist services for children.
Your First Week After a Loss: What Actually Needs to Happen
When someone dies, it can feel like everything is urgent. Here's what truly cannot wait in the first week — and what can be left until later.
How to Register a Death in England and Wales: A Complete Guide
A clear, step-by-step guide to registering a death in England and Wales — who can do it, what documents you need, costs, and exactly what to expect.
Five Common Myths About Grief
Grief is one of the most misunderstood human experiences. We challenge five pervasive myths that can leave bereaved people feeling like they're doing it wrong.
Start here
What matters in the first week.
01
Register the death
You have 5 days. Bring these documents. Here’s what the registrar hands back.
02
Tell the government, once
One form covers DWP, HMRC, DVLA, and passport. What it does not cover.
03
Understand probate
When you need it, what it costs, and how to apply. Covers England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
04
Run the probate workflow
What to gather, what blocks progress, and what still needs doing after the grant arrives.
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