Guides · 230 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.
Bereavement During Exams: A UK Student Guide
Bereavement during exams can damage focus, memory and energy. This UK guide explains what support students can ask for at school, college or university.
What Happens to Child Benefit When a Parent Dies in the UK?
If a parent claiming Child Benefit dies, the payment does not transfer automatically. Here is what UK families should do next and how to make a new claim.
What to Do With Voicemails and Audio Recordings After Someone Dies
Not sure what to do with voicemails after someone dies? This guide explains how to save them safely, share them carefully and decide later without pressure.
What to Do With Family Photos After Someone Dies
A gentle guide to deciding what to do with family photos after someone dies, without rushing choices you may feel differently about later.
Grief at University: A UK Student Guide to Coping With Bereavement
A practical guide for UK students dealing with grief at university, from academic pressure and homesickness to support services and next steps.
What Happens to a Death in Service Benefit in the UK?
A clear UK guide to what happens to a death in service benefit, who may receive it, and what families should do next.
How to Help a Teenager After a Bereavement: A UK Guide
A practical UK guide for parents and carers on how to help a teenager after bereavement, what grief can look like and when to get extra support.
What Happens to a Private Pension When Someone Dies in the UK?
A clear UK guide to what happens to a private pension after death, who can claim it, whether probate is needed and what families should do first.
Funeral Recordings and Tribute Videos in the UK: How to Plan One Without Extra Stress
A practical UK guide to funeral recordings, tribute videos and memorial slideshows, including what to ask the venue, privacy issues and common mistakes.
LGBTQ+ Bereavement Support in the UK: Where to Find Help and What Inclusive Support Looks Like
A compassionate UK guide to LGBTQ+ bereavement support, including chosen family, identity respect, inclusive counselling and where to find specialist help.
How to Explain a Death to a Child: A Gentle UK Guide by Age
A gentle UK guide to telling a child someone has died, with age-by-age advice, words to avoid and practical ways to support children through grief.
Funeral Live Streaming in the UK: How It Works and What Families Should Ask
A practical UK guide to funeral live streaming, including venue options, privacy questions, etiquette and simple ways to include relatives who cannot attend in person.
Memorial Jewellery in the UK: What It Is, How It Works and What to Ask Before You Buy
A practical UK guide to memorial jewellery, including types, costs, questions to ask suppliers and how to decide whether it feels right for you.
Bereavement Support Groups Near Me: How to Find the Right Help in the UK
How to find local and online bereavement support groups in the UK, what to expect, and how to work out whether peer support is right for you.
Ashes in the Garden in the UK: What to Consider Before You Scatter or Bury Them at Home
A clear UK guide to scattering or burying ashes at home, including permission, family considerations and what to think about before you decide.
Funeral Plans After Someone Dies in the UK: What Families Should Do Next
Found a funeral plan after someone died? This UK guide explains what to check first, what funeral plans usually cover, and what families may still need to pay.
Grief After Losing a Grandparent: Why It Can Hit So Hard
Why grief after losing a grandparent can feel deeper than people expect, plus practical ways to cope and where to find support in the UK.
Bereavement Support Payment in the UK: Who Can Claim and How to Apply
A clear UK guide to Bereavement Support Payment, including who can claim, the 3-month and 21-month deadlines, and how to apply.
Keeping Ashes at Home in the UK: Is It Legal and What Should Families Consider?
Yes, you can usually keep ashes at home in the UK. This guide explains what to consider, how to store them and what families should discuss before deciding.
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans in the UK: Are They Worth It?
A plain-English UK guide to pre-paid funeral plans: what they cover, what they do not, the FCA rules, and when a plan may or may not be worth it.
Death Notification Service UK: How to Tell Multiple Banks About a Death
A clear UK guide to the Death Notification Service: what it covers, what it does not, what details you need and when to contact a bank directly.
Memorial Trees in the UK: How They Work, Costs and Questions to Ask
Thinking about planting a memorial tree in the UK? This guide explains how council schemes work, typical rules, costs and what to ask before you apply.
What Happens to Carer's Allowance When Someone Dies in the UK?
A clear UK guide to what to do with Carer's Allowance after a death, who to tell, what Tell Us Once covers and what to do about later payments.
Headstone Inscriptions in the UK: Wording, Rules and Costs
A practical UK guide to headstone inscriptions, including wording ideas, cemetery rules, who can approve changes and the costs families may face.
Memorial Plaques in the UK: Where You Can Put One, Rules, Costs and What to Ask
A practical UK guide to memorial plaques, including where you can put one, local council rules, likely costs and the questions to ask before you apply.
What Happens to PIP When Someone Dies in the UK?
A clear UK guide to what happens to Personal Independence Payment after a death, who to tell, and what to do if payments arrive afterwards.
Grief Triggers After Bereavement: Why Ordinary Moments Can Feel So Hard
A gentle guide to grief triggers after bereavement, why everyday things can hit so hard, and practical ways to cope when loss suddenly rushes back in.
Memorial Benches in the UK: How to Apply, Costs and Things to Consider
Thinking about a memorial bench for someone you love? This UK guide explains how applications usually work, where benches can go, what affects cost and what to ask first.
What Happens to Attendance Allowance When Someone Dies in the UK?
A clear UK guide to what happens to Attendance Allowance after a death, who to tell, what to do about payments, and how DWP overpayments are handled.
Headstones and Memorials in the UK: When You Can Arrange One and What to Expect
A clear UK guide to arranging a headstone or memorial after a burial, including permissions, cemetery rules, timing, grave owner rights and what families should ask first.
Celebration of Life in the UK: How to Plan a Personal Memorial
A gentle UK guide to planning a celebration of life, from choosing a venue and tone to music, readings, memory sharing and practical decisions after a funeral or direct cremation.
What Happens to a State Pension When Someone Dies in the UK?
A simple UK guide to reporting a death, stopping State Pension payments, checking overpayments, and understanding what a surviving partner may be able to claim.
Can You Stay in a Council or Housing Association Home After a Death?
A clear guide to tenancy succession after a death, including joint tenancies, who may be able to stay, what evidence landlords usually ask for, and what to do if succession is refused.
What Happens at an Inquest? A Family Guide for England and Wales
An inquest is a public fact-finding hearing after some deaths. This guide explains when it happens, what families can expect and where to get support.
Donating Your Body to Medical Science in the UK: What Families Need to Know
Thinking about body donation in the UK? Learn how consent works, what families can and cannot decide, what may prevent acceptance and what happens next.
Repatriating a Body or Ashes to the UK: What Families Need to Know
A clear UK guide to bringing a body or ashes home after a death abroad, including documents, funeral director support, coroner steps and practical help.
Unexpected Death at Home in the UK: What Happens Next
A practical UK guide to what happens after an unexpected death at home, including who to call, the coroner process, registration and funeral timing.
When Someone Dies in Hospital or a Care Home: What Happens Next in the UK
A clear UK guide to what happens when someone dies in hospital or a care home, including the medical examiner, registration, belongings and funeral steps.
What to Expect at a Church of England Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
A simple UK guide to what happens at a Church of England funeral, from the service structure and hymns to dress, etiquette and personal touches.
Chapel of Rest in the UK: What It Is, Whether to Visit and What to Expect
What a chapel of rest is, whether you have to visit, what happens during a viewing and how to decide what feels right for you in the UK.
Traumatic Grief After a Sudden Death: What It Can Feel Like and Where to Get Help
A gentle UK guide to traumatic grief after a sudden death, including common reactions, what may help and where to get support if things feel unbearable.
What Is a Humanist Funeral? A UK Guide to What to Expect
A clear UK guide to what a humanist funeral is, how it differs from a religious service, what happens on the day and how to arrange one.
Donations in Lieu of Flowers: What It Means and How to Ask in the UK
Not sure what “donations in lieu of flowers” means? This UK guide explains how it works, how to word the request, and how mourners can respond respectfully.
What to Expect at a Quaker Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
Going to a Quaker funeral for the first time? This UK guide explains the quiet, simple format, what to wear, whether you can speak, and how to follow the family’s lead.
What Happens If There Is No Executor? A UK Guide to Your Options
If nobody can act as executor, the estate does not simply stop. This UK guide explains who can step in, when beneficiaries can apply, and when you may need legal help.
Funeral Flowers Etiquette in the UK: What to Send and When Not To
Funeral flowers can be a thoughtful gesture, but they are not always the right one. Here is how to choose, send and message flowers respectfully in the UK.
Can an Executor Refuse to Act in the UK? Your Options Explained
Yes. An executor can refuse to act, but the right option depends on whether they want out permanently, may act later, or have already started dealing with the estate.
What to Expect at a Buddhist Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
Buddhist funerals in the UK are usually calm, simple and respectful, but traditions vary by family, culture and Buddhist school. Here is what mourners should know.
What to Expect at a Sikh Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
If you are attending a Sikh funeral in the UK, this guide explains what usually happens, what to wear, and how to show respect if you are unsure.
Pet Loss: Why It Hurts So Much and How to Grieve
Losing a pet can be devastating. This guide explains why pet grief feels so intense, what is normal, and where to find support in the UK.
Can You Access a Deceased Person’s Bank Account Before Probate in the UK?
Usually not freely. In the UK, some banks release money for funeral costs, probate fees or inheritance tax before probate, but the rules vary by institution.
Who Needs to Be Told First After a Death in the UK?
A simple UK guide to who you should tell first after a death, what can wait, and how to avoid missing urgent calls or paperwork.
What Happens at a Wake in the UK? A Simple Guide for Families and Friends
A simple UK guide to what happens at a wake, what to expect, whether you need to go, and how families can keep things simple.
What to Say at a Funeral or Wake: Simple, Kind Words That Help
If you are worried about saying the wrong thing at a funeral or wake, this guide offers simple, kind phrases and what to avoid.
Do You Need Probate for a Small Estate in the UK?
A clear UK guide to when probate is and is not usually needed for a small estate, including joint assets, bank accounts and practical next steps.
Grief Numbness: Why You Might Feel Nothing After a Loss
Feeling numb after a death is common. This guide explains why grief can feel empty or unreal, what may help and when to seek extra support.
Funeral Support Payment Scotland: Who Can Get It and How to Apply
A practical guide to Funeral Support Payment in Scotland, including eligibility, what it can cover, how much it may pay and how to apply.
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death UK: What It Is and Why It Matters
A clear UK guide to the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, how it differs from a death certificate, and why it affects registration and next steps.
Who Can Register a Death in the UK?
A clear UK guide to who can register a death, how the rules differ by nation, and what to do if the closest relative cannot handle it.
How Many Death Certificates Do You Need in the UK? A Practical Guide
A practical UK guide to ordering death certificate copies, who usually asks for them, and how to avoid paying for more than you need.
Interim Death Certificate UK: What It Is and When You Need One
A clear UK guide to interim death certificates, when coroners issue them, what they can be used for and when the final certificate arrives.
What Happens at a Post-Mortem in the UK? A Simple Family Guide
A clear UK guide to what a post-mortem is, why a coroner may order one, what happens next and how it can affect funeral and registration timing.
First Christmas After a Loss: How to Cope
The first Christmas after a bereavement can feel brutal. This UK guide offers simple, compassionate ways to cope, plan ahead and lower the pressure.
Clearing a Loved One’s Home: A Practical and Emotional Guide
A gentle UK guide to clearing a loved one’s home, from paperwork and valuables to family disagreements, donations and knowing when to slow down.
My Experience with Digital Probate in 2026: How Online Applications Changed Estate Administration
A firsthand account of navigating the new digital probate system, including what worked well, what didn't, and practical tips for other families.
Funeral Industry Changes Coming to the UK: What Families Need to Know in 2026
With new regulation on the horizon and growing calls for reform, here's how funeral industry changes might affect families arranging services.
How to Prepare Your Workplace for Bereavement: A Guide for Employees and Managers
From knowing your rights to supporting colleagues, here's how to navigate workplace bereavement policies and create compassionate support systems.
Digital Probate UK: How the Online Application Process Works in 2026
The probate system continues to modernise with digital applications, case management improvements, and streamlined processes. Here's what's new and how to navigate the online system.
Funeral Industry Regulation UK: What Changes Are Coming and What It Means for Families
New calls for statutory funeral industry regulation by Spring 2027 aim to protect families from malpractice and improve standards across the sector.
Bereavement Leave Rights UK: What You're Entitled to and How to Ask
Understanding your rights to time off work when someone dies, from statutory entitlements to flexible options, and how to approach difficult conversations with your employer.
Anniversary Grief: How to Cope with Difficult Dates
Anniversaries, birthdays, and special dates can trigger intense grief. Learn practical strategies for managing anniversary grief and honoring your loved one's memory.
Inheritance Tax Thresholds 2026: What You Need to Know
Inheritance tax thresholds for 2026 and how they affect your estate. Learn about nil-rate bands, residence allowances, and planning strategies to reduce IHT liability.
When Death is Sudden: Navigating the Shock and Practical Tasks
A sudden death brings unique challenges. This guide walks you through the initial shock, urgent practical tasks, and finding support when you need it most.
How Debts Affect Inheritance Tax in the UK: A Complete Guide
Understanding how debts reduce inheritance tax liability, which debts qualify, and how to handle estate debts when someone dies.
Your Rights to Time Off Work for Bereavement in the UK: A Complete Guide
Understanding your rights to bereavement leave, what employers must provide, and how to navigate returning to work after loss.
Complicated Grief: When Grief Becomes Overwhelming and What to Do
Sometimes grief doesn't ease with time and becomes overwhelming. Here's how to recognise complicated grief and find the right support to help you heal.
What to Expect at a Catholic Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
A respectful UK guide to what usually happens at a Catholic funeral, including the vigil, Funeral Mass, committal, dress, Communion and cremation.
Grief and Anxiety: Why Bereavement Can Make You Feel On Edge
A gentle UK guide to grief and anxiety after bereavement, including panic, restlessness, physical symptoms and when to ask for extra help.
How to Find Lost Bank Accounts and Savings After Someone Dies in the UK
A clear UK guide to tracing lost bank accounts, building society savings and NS&I holdings after a death, without paying unnecessary search fees.
Disenfranchised Grief: When People Don’t Recognise Your Loss
A compassionate guide to disenfranchised grief: what it means, why it hurts so much and how to cope when other people do not recognise your loss.
How to Return a Blue Badge After a Death in the UK
A simple UK guide to what to do with a Blue Badge after someone dies, including Tell Us Once, council returns and what to do if the badge cannot be found.
What to Expect at a Jewish Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
A respectful UK guide to Jewish funerals, including timing, burial customs, shiva, what to wear and how to support the family if you are attending.
What to Expect at a Hindu Funeral in the UK: A Respectful Guide
A respectful UK guide to Hindu funerals, including common customs, what to wear, cremation, mourning rituals and how to support the family.
How to Cancel a TV Licence After a Death in the UK
A clear UK guide to cancelling or transferring a TV Licence after someone dies, including refunds, free licences and what happens if someone stays in the home.
What to Do With a Passport After Someone Dies in the UK
A straightforward UK guide to cancelling a passport after a death, including Tell Us Once, the D1 form, lost passports and deaths abroad.
Child Funeral Costs in the UK: What Help Is Available?
A UK guide to child funeral cost support, including what help is available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
When Your Adult Child Dies: Grief, Practical Pressures and Support
A compassionate UK guide to the shock, practical pressures and support available when your adult child dies.
How to Correct a Death Registration in the UK
A practical guide to correcting a death registration, what evidence you need, what it costs and how long it takes.
Appointing a Guardian in Your Will: What UK Parents Need to Know
A clear UK guide to appointing a guardian in your will, including who can do it, what a guardian does, and what parents should think through first.
Supporting a Bereaved Child at School: A Guide for UK Parents and Carers
How to help a bereaved child return to school in the UK, with practical advice for parents on routines, communication, support plans and when to seek extra help.
Estate Accounts Explained: What UK Executors Need to Include
A practical UK guide to estate accounts for executors, including what to record, when to prepare them, common mistakes and how to get beneficiaries to approve them.
What Does a Medical Examiner Do After a Death? A UK Guide
A clear guide to what a medical examiner does after a death in England and Wales, why they may contact families, and how this affects death registration.
Executor Checklist UK: Estate Administration Step by Step
A clear executor checklist for the UK, covering the first steps after a death, probate, debts, tax, and how to distribute an estate without costly mistakes.
What Happens to Unclaimed Inheritance in the UK?
A plain-English guide to unclaimed inheritance in the UK, including bona vacantia, who can claim, time limits, and what to do if you think a relative died intestate.
How to Close Utility Accounts After a Death in the UK
A practical UK guide to closing gas, electricity, water, broadband and other household utility accounts after someone dies.
Pregnancy Loss and Grief in the UK: Your Rights at Work and Where to Find Support
A compassionate UK guide to pregnancy loss, grief, time off work, and where to find practical and emotional support after miscarriage or stillbirth.
What Happens If a Beneficiary Dies Before the Estate Is Distributed? A UK Guide
A clear UK guide to what happens if a beneficiary dies before they receive their inheritance, and what executors and families should do next.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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