Following a period of illness, or after an unexpected event, it’s an emotional time if you have to deal with the death of someone close to you.

 We’re all living life to the full, so it’s hard to imagine setting time aside to make plans for our death.  On the other hand, making a plan in advance can mean that your loved ones have less to deal with during such a difficult time.

Perhaps one of the most reassuring things to know, if you’ve suffered bereavement recently, is that you’ don’t have to face things on your own.  In addition to the many professionals who can help you deal with practical and financial matters, there are organisations dedicated to providing support at this difficult time such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Arranging the funeral

For practical arrangements, such as finding out how to pay for a funeral, you’ll need to contact a Funeral Director.  Costs vary upwards from around £1,000, but if you need financial help to pay for the funeral, then the Government’s Social Fund may help.  Everyone connected with bereavement services knows that these matters need to be handled sensitively, so it’s unlikely that you’ll need to make any pressurised decisions.  The Funeral Director will advise you to check the deceased’s will for any specific instructions about a cremation or burial and any whereabouts of policies designed to cover funeral costs.

Dealing with practical matters

Usually, the attending doctor will provide you with a certificate giving the cause of the death.  You’ll then need to register the death within five days at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.  It’s worth asking for several copies of the Death Certificate: anyone who needs to be notified officially will ask for a copy.  The registrar will also give you a free, useful booklet ‘What to do after a death in England and Wales’ (D49), or ‘What to do after a death in Scotland’ (D49S). These are also available from local offices of the Department of Work and Pensions or Citizens Advice Bureaux or online.

Organising personal affairs after the funeral

Even though it’s a difficult time, there are some practical matters that you’ll need to deal with.  If the deceased was your spouse or civil partner, or you are a dependent then you may want advice on things like transferring pension payments, claiming money from a life insurance policy, accessing savings and investments, or even simply paying household bills.

Your family solicitor or an independent financial adviser (IFA) will guide you through the processes – and also give you advice on dealing with the will and any Inheritance Tax due on the estate.  If you need advice, why not use our search tools to find an IFA near you?  An IFA will be happy to explain how they can help during this difficult time.

Questions you might like to ask your IFA or solicitor…

How can I access our joint savings to pay my bills?

Who do I have to tell about this bereavement, and how can they help me?

Where can I get copies of the Death Certificate if I need them later on?