Things to do when someone dies?
Discussion
My elderly mum died during the night, she was terminally ill and her death was expected. No need for sympathy as it comes as a massive relief considering how poor her health was.
So today I'm working my way through a list of stuff that needs doing, contacting her friends and letting folk know etc.
However, I know her bank accounts etc will get frozen, but her bills will still need paying. Do I have to contact her bank to inform them, phoning their bereavement team etc? Do her bills and direct debits still get paid from a frozen account so that debts don't build up? I have full internet access to her account via an LPA but I know the LPA ceased on her death and I don't really want to be touching her account now.
So today I'm working my way through a list of stuff that needs doing, contacting her friends and letting folk know etc.
However, I know her bank accounts etc will get frozen, but her bills will still need paying. Do I have to contact her bank to inform them, phoning their bereavement team etc? Do her bills and direct debits still get paid from a frozen account so that debts don't build up? I have full internet access to her account via an LPA but I know the LPA ceased on her death and I don't really want to be touching her account now.
Don't panic!
Get multiple copies of death certificates, you'll need them.
Use the Governments tellus service to inform the state, that'll stop a few things
Be prepared to go and visit banks to close things down.
Check for any will.
Get for (and be happy to pay for) as much help as you can:
Dealing with the finances
Clearing any houses
Get a decent undertaker and follow their advice
Yes pay the bills and keep copies
Are you the only next of kin, are you the executor?
Cancel TV license
Check direct debits and see what you can stop
Leave utilities on for now
House in her name?
I was in the same position, you can use any monies she has for her estate, just keep copies.
And I'll say it again, don't panic, it takes a while, but work through it, ask everyone professionally what to do next, undertakers are fab!
drop me a PM if I can help at all, my mum died Feb2020 took about 12 months to get through everything, house was the longest.
Get multiple copies of death certificates, you'll need them.
Use the Governments tellus service to inform the state, that'll stop a few things
Be prepared to go and visit banks to close things down.
Check for any will.
Get for (and be happy to pay for) as much help as you can:
Dealing with the finances
Clearing any houses
Get a decent undertaker and follow their advice
Yes pay the bills and keep copies
Are you the only next of kin, are you the executor?
Cancel TV license
Check direct debits and see what you can stop
Leave utilities on for now
House in her name?
I was in the same position, you can use any monies she has for her estate, just keep copies.
And I'll say it again, don't panic, it takes a while, but work through it, ask everyone professionally what to do next, undertakers are fab!
drop me a PM if I can help at all, my mum died Feb2020 took about 12 months to get through everything, house was the longest.
Edited by dundarach on Thursday 3rd July 11:23
Condolences OP, have a look at the @tell us once@ service which will inform the various authorities in one go https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/organisations-you...
Having been in this situation a few times, I actually think having so much to do and all the associated hassle is a good thing. Keeps you busy and occupied. It's not until after the funeral that you actually get a chance to take in what's happened, by which time the initial shock has worn off.
I hindsight, I'm actually grateful that TalkTalk couldn't accept my instructions that my aunt had died, as only the account holder (my aunt) was authorised to report her death. It gave me something else to be livid about for a few days until I managed to get thru to someone with an IQ above room temperature.
I hindsight, I'm actually grateful that TalkTalk couldn't accept my instructions that my aunt had died, as only the account holder (my aunt) was authorised to report her death. It gave me something else to be livid about for a few days until I managed to get thru to someone with an IQ above room temperature.
This is a really good question because it is an issue that will need to be dealt with by most of us and possibly only once, we are all concerned about getting it wrong.
Age Concern have a good checklist
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-...
It is an issue to me having no relatives, in my case there is no one to advise the authorities, deal with banks and houses, pensions and so on.
Age Concern have a good checklist
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-...
It is an issue to me having no relatives, in my case there is no one to advise the authorities, deal with banks and houses, pensions and so on.
Once you inform the bank, the only thing they will allow payment for is the funeral.
The various utilities will have bereavement teams that know what to do.
Work out the value of the estate. Get probate. Get access to funds. Pay anything the estate owes. Distribute estate according to the will (or interstate rules)
The Gauge said:
Do her bills and direct debits still get paid from a frozen account so that debts don't build up?
Call all of the various parties to inform them. They won't chase bills. Once the estate is fully wrapped up then you settle it all. They're not pushy in any way. As above, the only things you can pay out of someone's bank account are the funeral costs and any inheritance tax bills, if the money is in there.
You'll probably need to be in person with a death certificate and the other relevant docs.
bloomen said:
Call all of the various parties to inform them. They won't chase bills. Once the estate is fully wrapped up then you settle it all. They're not pushy in any way.
As above, the only things you can pay out of someone's bank account are the funeral costs and any inheritance tax bills, if the money is in there.
You'll probably need to be in person with a death certificate and the other relevant docs.
This. As above, the only things you can pay out of someone's bank account are the funeral costs and any inheritance tax bills, if the money is in there.
You'll probably need to be in person with a death certificate and the other relevant docs.
And they are hardly going to issue legal proceedings for an unpaid bill.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
I hindsight, I'm actually grateful that TalkTalk couldn't accept my instructions that my aunt had died, as only the account holder (my aunt) was authorised to report her death. It gave me something else to be livid about for a few days until I managed to get thru to someone with an IQ above room temperature.
When I had to deal with Sky when my FIL died, they couldn't be more helpful.I'd like to think alot of the utility services have departments dealing with these things.
bloomen said:
The Gauge said:
Do her bills and direct debits still get paid from a frozen account so that debts don't build up?
Call all of the various parties to inform them. They won't chase bills. Once the estate is fully wrapped up then you settle it all. They're not pushy in any way. To you, it's an extraordinary event but to these organisations it's happening all the time, so there are strong processes in place.
To add from experience:
Bank will freeze everything in and out once they are aware. Payins such as pensions and interest will get bounced back and it may take time for the payer to confirm this and advise of what is due to or by the estate at the date of death.
If your mother completed an income tax return you will still need to do that for 24-25 and another for 25-26 to the date of death.
If you still have access to the bank online I would strongly recommend downloading a record of transactions on all accounts as far back as you can up to date. (And tax deduction certificates if applicable). Once frozen IME you also lose read only access which is annoying if you are needing to review statements to confirm what income might be expected but will now bounce, and what payments may need settled from the estate. Also useful to check what subscriptions/DDs/SOs need cancelled.
Bank will freeze everything in and out once they are aware. Payins such as pensions and interest will get bounced back and it may take time for the payer to confirm this and advise of what is due to or by the estate at the date of death.
If your mother completed an income tax return you will still need to do that for 24-25 and another for 25-26 to the date of death.
If you still have access to the bank online I would strongly recommend downloading a record of transactions on all accounts as far back as you can up to date. (And tax deduction certificates if applicable). Once frozen IME you also lose read only access which is annoying if you are needing to review statements to confirm what income might be expected but will now bounce, and what payments may need settled from the estate. Also useful to check what subscriptions/DDs/SOs need cancelled.
s2kjock said:
To add from experience:
Bank will freeze everything in and out once they are aware. Payins such as pensions and interest will get bounced back and it may take time for the payer to confirm this and advise of what is due to or by the estate at the date of death.
If your mother completed an income tax return you will still need to do that for 24-25 and another for 25-26 to the date of death.
If you still have access to the bank online I would strongly recommend downloading a record of transactions on all accounts as far back as you can up to date. (And tax deduction certificates if applicable). Once frozen IME you also lose read only access which is annoying if you are needing to review statements to confirm what income might be expected but will now bounce, and what payments may need settled from the estate. Also useful to check what subscriptions/DDs/SOs need cancelled.
This. Don't tell the bank until you have downloaded statements, paid any bills that were due before death (if any). A full of statements and interests certs will come in handy later, and won't be easy to get once the account is frozen. Bank will freeze everything in and out once they are aware. Payins such as pensions and interest will get bounced back and it may take time for the payer to confirm this and advise of what is due to or by the estate at the date of death.
If your mother completed an income tax return you will still need to do that for 24-25 and another for 25-26 to the date of death.
If you still have access to the bank online I would strongly recommend downloading a record of transactions on all accounts as far back as you can up to date. (And tax deduction certificates if applicable). Once frozen IME you also lose read only access which is annoying if you are needing to review statements to confirm what income might be expected but will now bounce, and what payments may need settled from the estate. Also useful to check what subscriptions/DDs/SOs need cancelled.
Firstly, condolences on your loss, although I also understand the feeling of relief after a long illness.
Below is a list I put together whilst having to deal with a couple of elderly relatives' deaths.
Quite a lot of if is about dealing with the funeral, but it's fairly reflective of the type of stuff you may need to consider. Apologies if it's a bit haphazard, but I've just cut and pasted it from a note I made.
As others have already said, download copies of all the bank and building society transactions before informing the bank.
When you register the death, the registrars are likely to have a checklist of stuff you need to do, and are usually very helpful.
Dealing with utilities etc.. is relatively easy - thay all have bereavement departments who are helpful.
Get a decent funeral director - the ones I've dealt with have been very supportive and guide you through the funeral process.
Get a decent solicitor to deal with the probate, and evaluation and dispersal of the estate (assuming you are the executor, or next of kin if there is no will). DO NOT try to save money and attempt this yourself. It really, really isn't worth it. As part of sorting out the estate, they will sort all the paperwork out dealing with insurance policies, savings, shares/investments, HMRC etc..
Priority 3 things must do:
See
https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death
1. Get medical certificate
2. Register the death
3. Arrange funeral
Decide on Funeral Directors.
They will provide most of the guidance you need.
Usually they will liaise with the church/burial/crematorium
Other expenses - makes it easier if they pay the various bills and provide a consolidated bill (flowers, reception, catering, any payment for the funeral, burial/crematorium costs etc)
Funeral - location
Flowers - Just family, and donations from others (to what charity/causes)? or flowers ok from all.
Colours/design/type of flowers - favourite?
Casket - decide on design/colour/budget
Depending if burial/cremation, headstone/memorial (could be decided later).
Car(s) - who going in official car(s) - how many cars needed?
Funeral - who is carrying it out.
Look to meet with them in advance.
Agree order of service:
Music at start
Any hymns/other music during
Music at the end
Reading(s)
Speech/thoughts from closest family
Anyone else particularly wants to say a few words?
Once agreed order of service, need to put together service sheets -
Order, words to hymns, description of music.
Photos to be included - often 1 on front, 1 on back.
Perhaps some from earlier times?
Location of burial/crematorium and afterwards reception (may need separate map printed with directions).
People
List of people who need to be informed.
Immediate family
Other friends etc.
Address book/diary/contacts list on computer?
Phone. Write if only have physical address.
Social media/Facebook etc.
Put together a single list and record those informed.
Also note those who ve been informed and have agreed to contact others you may not have details for.
Try to get some estimate of numbers likely to attend.
Reception/Wake
Numbers
Time/Venue - location/facilities.
Catering - type of refreshments/food, suppliers, budget
Separate catering or supplied by venue?
Announcement for paper?
Which paper(s)?
Funeral directors should be able to advise.
Official stuff
Once cause of death determined, will issue death certificate.
Get several certified copies at the time (at least 10). Will need for informing bank, insurance, etc.
Notification to official services
http://www.gov.uk/tell-us-once
Should be available in this area - you ll get a reference number when death cert is issued.
Informs local authority, passport, driving licence, etc..
Also need to inform bank(s)
Mortgage provider
Insurance(s)
Pensions provider(s)
Any loan providers etc.
Is everything filed?
Password file or record for online services?
List of financial services left?
Will
Is there one?
If so, lodged with specific solicitors?
Get idea of time/process - again, can talk to funeral directors - what are arrangements for paying for funeral - will they wait for the estate to be settled/insurance monies to be released?
Below is a list I put together whilst having to deal with a couple of elderly relatives' deaths.
Quite a lot of if is about dealing with the funeral, but it's fairly reflective of the type of stuff you may need to consider. Apologies if it's a bit haphazard, but I've just cut and pasted it from a note I made.
As others have already said, download copies of all the bank and building society transactions before informing the bank.
When you register the death, the registrars are likely to have a checklist of stuff you need to do, and are usually very helpful.
Dealing with utilities etc.. is relatively easy - thay all have bereavement departments who are helpful.
Get a decent funeral director - the ones I've dealt with have been very supportive and guide you through the funeral process.
Get a decent solicitor to deal with the probate, and evaluation and dispersal of the estate (assuming you are the executor, or next of kin if there is no will). DO NOT try to save money and attempt this yourself. It really, really isn't worth it. As part of sorting out the estate, they will sort all the paperwork out dealing with insurance policies, savings, shares/investments, HMRC etc..
Priority 3 things must do:
See
https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death
1. Get medical certificate
2. Register the death
3. Arrange funeral
Decide on Funeral Directors.
They will provide most of the guidance you need.
Usually they will liaise with the church/burial/crematorium
Other expenses - makes it easier if they pay the various bills and provide a consolidated bill (flowers, reception, catering, any payment for the funeral, burial/crematorium costs etc)
Funeral - location
Flowers - Just family, and donations from others (to what charity/causes)? or flowers ok from all.
Colours/design/type of flowers - favourite?
Casket - decide on design/colour/budget
Depending if burial/cremation, headstone/memorial (could be decided later).
Car(s) - who going in official car(s) - how many cars needed?
Funeral - who is carrying it out.
Look to meet with them in advance.
Agree order of service:
Music at start
Any hymns/other music during
Music at the end
Reading(s)
Speech/thoughts from closest family
Anyone else particularly wants to say a few words?
Once agreed order of service, need to put together service sheets -
Order, words to hymns, description of music.
Photos to be included - often 1 on front, 1 on back.
Perhaps some from earlier times?
Location of burial/crematorium and afterwards reception (may need separate map printed with directions).
People
List of people who need to be informed.
Immediate family
Other friends etc.
Address book/diary/contacts list on computer?
Phone. Write if only have physical address.
Social media/Facebook etc.
Put together a single list and record those informed.
Also note those who ve been informed and have agreed to contact others you may not have details for.
Try to get some estimate of numbers likely to attend.
Reception/Wake
Numbers
Time/Venue - location/facilities.
Catering - type of refreshments/food, suppliers, budget
Separate catering or supplied by venue?
Announcement for paper?
Which paper(s)?
Funeral directors should be able to advise.
Official stuff
Once cause of death determined, will issue death certificate.
Get several certified copies at the time (at least 10). Will need for informing bank, insurance, etc.
Notification to official services
http://www.gov.uk/tell-us-once
Should be available in this area - you ll get a reference number when death cert is issued.
Informs local authority, passport, driving licence, etc..
Also need to inform bank(s)
Mortgage provider
Insurance(s)
Pensions provider(s)
Any loan providers etc.
Is everything filed?
Password file or record for online services?
List of financial services left?
Will
Is there one?
If so, lodged with specific solicitors?
Get idea of time/process - again, can talk to funeral directors - what are arrangements for paying for funeral - will they wait for the estate to be settled/insurance monies to be released?
Edited by C n C on Thursday 3rd July 14:19
MonkeyBusiness said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
I hindsight, I'm actually grateful that TalkTalk couldn't accept my instructions that my aunt had died, as only the account holder (my aunt) was authorised to report her death. It gave me something else to be livid about for a few days until I managed to get thru to someone with an IQ above room temperature.
When I had to deal with Sky when my FIL died, they couldn't be more helpful.I'd like to think alot of the utility services have departments dealing with these things.
dontlookdown said:
This. Don't tell the bank until you have downloaded statements, paid any bills that were due before death (if any). A full of statements and interests certs will come in handy later, and won't be easy to get once the account is frozen.
Getting copies of statements etc is fine, but if she is the sole account holder then I'd be very careful about paying bills as it could be seen as you deciding which creditors get paid etc, for which there could be legal consequences.dontlookdown said:
This. Don't tell the bank until you have downloaded statements, paid any bills that were due before death (if any). A full of statements and interests certs will come in handy later, and won't be easy to get once the account is frozen.
Agreed. Do some common sense stuff before everything gets frozen. It may not be technically correct but nobody gets hurt and it helps things along. If you're POA for an old-timer nearing the end of the road then consider opening a new bank account at the same bank in your own name. Transfer a wad of cash from the old-timer's account into your own account. When the old-timer's account gets frozen upon death you still have a stash of "their" cash to pay "their" bills. Just remember it was "their" money and needs to be included in their "assets" for Probate, net of "liabilities" (the bills). Do not mix "your" money/affairs with "their" money/affairs. You want the account to be exclusively for stuff relevant to the old-timer. In other words, your bank statement is effectively their bank statement.
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