What to Do in the First 48 Hours After Someone Dies: A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide

The First 48 Hours

When someone dies, the world keeps moving even when yours has stopped. There are things that need to happen in the first day or two — not because they're more important than your grief, but because some steps are time-sensitive.

This guide gives you a clear, calm list of what to do and when. You don't need to do everything yourself. Ask someone you trust to help.

If the Death Was Expected (at Home)

If your loved one died at home after an illness, and it was expected:

1. Call their GP — the GP (or another doctor in the practice) needs to come and confirm the death. This can usually happen within a few hours.
2. There's no rush to move the body — your loved one can stay at home until you're ready. Many families choose to spend time with them before calling a funeral director.
3. The GP will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) — you'll need this to register the death.

If the Death Was Unexpected

If the death was sudden or unexpected:

1. Call 999 — paramedics will attend and, if the person has died, will contact the police (this is routine for unexpected deaths, not an indication of suspicion).
2. The coroner may be involved — for unexpected deaths, the coroner decides whether a post-mortem is needed. This can delay the medical certificate by days or sometimes weeks.
3. You won't need to make immediate decisions — the coroner's office will guide you through the process.

If the Death Happened in Hospital

1. The hospital will confirm the death and begin preparing the MCCD.
2. Ask about the bereavement office — most hospitals have a dedicated team who can guide you through next steps, help with paperwork, and connect you with support services.
3. Collecting belongings — the ward will usually gather your loved one's things. You can collect them when you're ready.
4. The body will be moved to the hospital mortuary — you can arrange viewing through the hospital or your chosen funeral director.

Within 24 Hours: Immediate Steps

Get the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

The MCCD is the document you need to register the death. It's issued by:

• The attending doctor (if the death was expected)
• The hospital (if they died in hospital)
• The coroner (if they were involved)

Since September 2024, all deaths in England and Wales now go through a Medical Examiner review process. This is routine and shouldn't cause significant delays for expected deaths.

Inform Close Family and Friends

Make a short list of people who need to know immediately. You don't have to call everyone yourself — ask a trusted friend or family member to help spread the word.

A simple message is enough: "I'm sorry to let you know that [name] died [today/yesterday]. I'll share more details when I can."

Secure the Property (if They Lived Alone)

If your loved one lived alone:

• Check the property is locked and secure
• Turn off any appliances
• Redirect post if needed (this can wait a few days)
• Check for pets that need caring for

Find Important Documents

When you're able, start looking for:

• Their will — check their home, with their solicitor, or with their bank
• Birth and marriage certificates — you'll need these for registration
• Life insurance policies
• Bank and building society details
• Pension information

Don't panic if you can't find everything immediately. These can be tracked down over the coming days and weeks.

Within 48 Hours: Next Steps

Choose a Funeral Director

You don't need to decide immediately, but it helps to contact a funeral director within a day or two. They will:

• Collect your loved one from wherever they are
• Begin planning the funeral with you
• Handle much of the practical coordination

Get quotes from at least two funeral directors. Prices vary significantly — the average UK funeral costs around £4,000, but there's a wide range. The funeral director must provide an itemised price list.

Register the Death

In England and Wales, you must register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). You'll need:

• The MCCD from the doctor
• The deceased's birth certificate, marriage certificate, and NHS number (if available)
• Their address, date of birth, and occupation

Registration is done at the local register office. Many now offer appointments — call ahead. The registrar will give you:

• A certified copy of the death certificate (you'll need several — order at least 3-4, as banks and insurers often require originals)
• The green form (for burial or cremation)

Notify the DWP (Tell Us Once)

When you register the death, the registrar will offer the Tell Us Once service. This notifies multiple government departments in one go:

• HMRC
• DWP (to stop benefits and State Pension)
• Passport Office
• DVLA
• Local council

This saves an enormous amount of time and is free.

What Can Wait

Not everything needs to happen in the first 48 hours. These can wait:

• Probate — this is a longer process that typically takes weeks to months
• Closing bank accounts — most banks will freeze accounts when notified of the death, but formal closure comes later
• Sorting belongings — there is no rush
• Informing utility companies, subscriptions, social media — important but not urgent

A Note on Looking After Yourself

In the middle of all this admin, don't forget to eat, drink water, and rest. Grief is physically exhausting. Accept help when it's offered. You don't need to do everything at once.

GetPassage can help you track all the tasks that need doing after a death — from registration to probate to closing accounts — so nothing falls through the cracks.

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For a complete checklist of what to do after a death, visit GOV.UK — What to do when someone dies.