Your bereavement guide
Losing someone is one of the hardest things you'll ever face. When the paperwork and admin feel impossible, this guide is a gentle starting point — reminding you what to do, step by step, at your own pace.
Provided in partnership with
[Your Funeral Home]
Your caring funeral professional
First steps
There's no rush. Work through these in your own time — and ask for help whenever you need it.
You must register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland) at the local register office. You'll need the medical certificate of cause of death. See gov.uk or mygov.scot.
Urgent — 5–8 daysOrder at least 6–10 certified copies when you register. Banks, insurers, and pension providers will each need an original. It's cheaper to order them now than later.
There's no single right way to do this. Phone calls, messages, emails, social media — whatever feels manageable. Ask someone close to help spread the word if you need to.
Your funeral director will guide you through this. Check whether the person left any written wishes about their funeral arrangements.
Make sure the home is secure. Cancel any deliveries or appointments. Ask a trusted person to check the property regularly if it will be empty.
A gentle reminder
You don't have to do this alone. Passage creates a personalised step-by-step plan based on your exact situation — from a short questionnaire, in plain English. See page 4 for how to get started, free.
Estate admin
Once the immediate steps are done, there's a range of admin to work through. None of it is urgent right now — but knowing what's ahead can help.
Look at home, with a solicitor, or check the National Will Register. If there is a will, the named executor is responsible for carrying out the deceased's wishes.
Contact each bank, building society, and financial provider. Accounts may be frozen during probate (or Confirmation in Scotland). You can use the Death Notification Service (deathnotificationservice.co.uk) to notify multiple providers at once.
Use the Tell Us Once service (gov.uk) to notify HMRC, DWP, DVLA, the Passport Office, and your local council in a single step. This saves a significant amount of time.
Use Tell Us OnceEnergy, broadband, phone, insurance, streaming services, gym memberships — make a list and work through them. Some providers offer bereavement rates or fee waivers.
Probate (or Confirmation in Scotland) is the legal process of settling someone's estate. You may need it if the estate includes property or assets above around £5,000. Passage can guide you through the process step by step.
Passage walks you through every step
Answer a few questions and get a personalised checklist, in plain English, free.
Get support
We'll guide you through every step of the estate admin — from registering the death to closing accounts and applying for probate or Confirmation. Tailored to your situation. No jargon.
getpassage.co.ukGrief support
Cruse Bereavement
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by grief.
0808 808 1677
Emotional support
Samaritans
Free, 24/7 listening ear — whatever you're going through.
116 123
Questions about Passage?
hello@getpassage.co.uk
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