- by Tim Thompson
Managing Affairs After A Loved One's Passing
Losing a loved one is not only an emotionally challenging experience, but it also necessitates using a service such as reporting the death to organisations, including the National Insurance office, to manage various practical matters amidst the grief. This guide provides comprehensive assistance on handling the affairs after the passing of a loved one, covering financial, administrative, and emotional aspects.
Dealing with the Financial Affairs
After someone passes away, it’s critical to address their financial affairs, this includes organising their financial documents, managing any outstanding debts and paying the final tax. This process can be overwhelming, but having a clear understanding of the necessary steps can help alleviate some of the stress during this difficult time.
Organization of Financial Documents
One of the first tasks involved in managing the financial affairs of someone who has died is organizing their financial documents. Immediate tasks may include managing bank statements, investment portfolios, insurance policies, as well as wills, which need to be reported to a coroner, and any other relevant paperwork. Keep these documents in a secure place for reference as you navigate the financial matters.
Assistance with Managing Debts
When a person passes away, their debts don’t simply disappear. It’s crucial to address any outstanding debts, such as mortgages, loans, or credit card balances. Seeking assistance from financial advisors or legal professionals and using the service provided by Citizens Advice can provide valuable guidance on tasks like reporting a death and managing and resolving any linked debts.
Financial Assistance Programs
Exploring available financial assistance programs can be beneficial, especially if the person who died may have left dependents or if there are financial constraints in covering funeral expenses and other essential costs. Organizations such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), local council, and Citizens Advice may offer support during this challenging period, including the process to register a death via gov.uk.
Arranging the Funeral
Planning a funeral, which may involve decisions to be reported to a coroner, is a significant responsibility after the death of a loved one. This includes essential tasks such as registering the death, coordinating the funeral service, and seeking government services and support as needed.
Registering the Death
Using the service to register a death on the gov.uk platform is one of the primary administrative tasks that need to be completed after a person dies. This involves obtaining the death certificate from the hospital mortuary and notifying the relevant authorities, aided by the ‘Tell Us Once’ service, about the individual’s passing. The “Tell Us Once” service provided by the government streamlines the process of notifying multiple organizations and government services about the death.
Arranging the Funeral Service
Deciding on the type of funeral, whether it’s a burial or cremation reported to a coroner, and organizing the funeral service are crucial aspects of honoring the person who has died. Working with a compassionate and professional funeral director can provide invaluable support during this emotional and challenging time.
Government Services and Support
The government’s ‘Tell Us Once’ service, in addition to other support services, can help with funeral arrangements, the funeral bill, burial or cremation, and related financial considerations. You need to apply for support and benefits provided by services such as the DWP bereavement service, council tax reliefs, and Citizens Advice to help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with organizing a funeral.
Immediately after someone dies
Immediately after someone passes away, it’s essential to focus on practical matters like registering the death and obtaining a copy of the death certificate. The “Tell Us Once” service can streamline the process of notifying multiple organisations about the death, providing necessary administrative relief to the family.
How to apply for probate or letters of administration
Applying for probate or letters of administration is a critical step in dealing with the estate of the deceased. This involves obtaining legal authority to administer the estate and handle the distribution of assets, providing a structured framework for managing the deceased’s financial affairs.
What does the executor or administrator do
The executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate is responsible for carrying out the instructions in the will or handling the estate’s administration if there is no will. This may involve gathering and distributing assets, settling liabilities, and ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are fulfilled.
If the person who died had a lasting or enduring power of attorney
If the deceased had a lasting power of attorney, the appointed attorney’s authority terminates upon the individual’s death and needs to be reported to relevant bodies, especially for National Insurance purposes. However, any actions taken under the lasting power of attorney before the person’s passing remain valid, and their estate must be managed in accordance with their wishes and the law.
Deal with the estate
Dealing with the estate involves handling the deceased’s assets, including property, money, and possessions. This process encompasses identifying, valuing, and distributing the estate in line with legal requirements and the deceased’s directives, ensuring a fair and lawful resolution.
Find your local council
Locating your local council and using the service provided at gov.uk is crucial for accessing support and guidance regarding the procedure to register a death and other administrative processes after a loved one’s passing. The council can provide essential information on arranging the funeral, applying for benefits, seeking assistance with administrative requirements and managing to close or change the details of the accounts in the name of the person who has died. They will also help with the cessation of any benefits that were being paid to the person who has died.
Arrange a funeral
Arranging a funeral is a significant responsibility, and it involves various aspects such as choosing between a burial or cremation, organising the funeral service, and understanding the available government services and financial support. Working closely with a compassionate funeral director can provide invaluable assistance during this emotional time.
Questions from other families
When someone passes away and the death gets reported to a coroner, families may have diverse questions and concerns regarding the management of the deceased’s affairs. Seeking advice from professionals, such as legal experts or bereavement support services, and connecting with others who have experienced a similar loss can offer practical guidance and emotional support.
Does lasting power of attorney continue after death?
The lasting power of attorney ceases upon the individual’s death, and the appointed attorney’s authority no longer applies. However, any decisions made under the enduring power of attorney before the individual’s passing remain valid, and the responsibility shifts to managing the deceased’s affairs in accordance with their wishes and the law.
What to do immediately after someone dies?
Immediately after someone’s passing, priority tasks include registering the death, obtaining the death certificate, and utilising the “Tell Us Once” service to streamline notifications to relevant organisations. Additionally, making necessary arrangements for probate or letters of administration sets the foundation for managing the deceased’s estate and financial affairs.
Who has control over funeral arrangements?
The responsibility for arranging the funeral usually falls to the deceased’s next of kin, spouse, or civil partner who may have left instructions. Collaborating with these individuals and considering any pre-arranged funeral wishes or plans can help ensure that the arrangements align with the deceased’s preferences and cultural or religious considerations.
What is a next of kin responsible for?
As the next of kin of a deceased person, you are responsible for making crucial decisions regarding the funeral arrangements and handling the deceased’s estate, which may involve registering and reporting the death to services like Citizens Advice and gov.uk. Family members may also be required to report a death and notify relevant organisations, such as the deceased’s building society about the individual’s passing, and manage any immediate administrative tasks related to the death.
What legal rights does a next of kin have?
The next of kin holds the right to make decisions concerning the deceased person’s funeral, including the cost of a simple burial or cremation arrangement. Additionally, they may have the legal right to apply for probate or take charge of the estate if the person did not leave a will. The specific legal entitlements of a deceased’s estate may vary, requiring the case to be reported to a coroner, particularly in instances dictated by jurisdiction and particular circumstances.
Does next of kin inherit everything?
Contrary to popular misunderstanding, the next of kin does not necessarily inherit everything; the person who has died may have left different instructions. In instances where the deceased had a valid will or where assets need to be reported to a coroner, the assets are distributed based on the instructions outlined in the will. If the person dies intestate, the estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not allocate everything to the next of kin.
What happens with the power of attorney when the person dies?
Upon the death of the individual, the power of attorney granted to an appointed attorney ceases to be valid. The authority of the attorney ends with the individual’s passing, and the management of the deceased person’s affairs shifts to their estate and any directives outlined in their will or the laws governing intestacy.
What happens if an LPA attorney dies?
If an appointed attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) passes away, their authority to act on behalf of the individual is terminated upon their death. Any actions taken by the attorney before their passing remain valid, and the responsibility for managing the deceased person’s affairs is assumed by the individual’s estate by their wishes and the law.
What ends a Lasting Power of Attorney?
The authority granted to a Lasting Power of Attorney ends under various circumstances, including the death of the individual who granted the power, the death of the appointed attorney, or if the individual revokes the power of attorney while still mentally capable. Additionally, a court may revoke the LPA if it determines that the attorney has not acted in the individual’s best interests.
Do I need probate if I have power of attorney?
Even if you have power of attorney, the requirement for probate depends on specific circumstances and is not automatically ended in all cases. If the deceased’s assets are held in their sole name or if there are assets that require transfer to the beneficiaries, obtaining probate may still be necessary despite the existence of a power of attorney.
What not to do when someone dies?
When someone dies, it’s important not to rush into making impulsive decisions about the deceased person’s affairs. Avoiding the premature distribution of assets, making significant financial commitments, or disposing of important documents can prevent complications and ensure that the deceased’s estate is handled lawfully and appropriately.
What is the first thing to do after someone dies?
After someone passes away, the immediate priority is to register the death and obtain the death certificate. This documentation is essential for fulfilling various administrative requirements, and it forms the foundation for addressing the deceased person’s financial affairs, funeral arrangements, and the management of their estate.
What do you do when someone dies?
When someone dies, it’s crucial to take systematic steps to manage their affairs. This includes registering the death, making funeral arrangements, organizing their financial documents, addressing debts, applying for probate if necessary, and seeking support from relevant authorities, legal professionals, and support organisations.
What if I need help with funeral costs?
If you require assistance with covering the cost of a simple funeral, there are various financial assistance programs available. Support is available for the person dealing with the estate from sources such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), local council, or charitable organisations. Exploring the eligibility criteria and available resources can provide valuable financial relief during this challenging period.
When is probate required?
Probate is typically required when the deceased’s estate includes assets held in their sole name, such as property, stocks, or substantial savings. If there are assets that need to be transferred to the beneficiaries or if the estate’s value exceeds certain thresholds, obtaining probate becomes necessary to legally administer and distribute the deceased person’s assets.
Frequently asked questions about Managing Affairs after the death of a loved one
What is the first step to take when a person who has died?
The first step is to get a medical certificate from a GP or hospital doctor. This is necessary for the death to be registered. Once the death is registered, you’ll get a reference number, which will be required to report the death to several government departments.
How can surviving family members deal with the property and other assets that belong to the person who has died?
The property and other assets of a deceased person can be dealt with by applying for a grant of probate. It gives the executor(s) the legal right to be able to deal with, or administer, the estate of the person.
How can we report the person’s death to several government departments?
In the United Kingdom, the ‘Tell Us Once service’ allows you to report a death to several government services about the death in one go. You will need the person’s date of birth and date of death, as well as their name and address.
What is the ‘Tell Us Once service’ and how it can help us improve our post-death management?
The ‘Tell Us Once’ service is a utility provided by the government. This Tell Us Once service allows you to report a death to several government departments simultaneously. This can drastically reduce the amount of time and effort required to notify all these departments individually, thus, helping to improve the management process.
How do I find an appropriate funeral director to handle the affairs of the person who has died?
You can contact the National Association of Funeral Directors or Allied and Independent Funeral Directors to find registered and qualified funeral directors in your area. Both associations set specific standards and provide guidelines for their members, including information about the rules.
How can a funeral director assist in managing the affairs after a person has died?
Funeral directors can provide a comprehensive service which may include the issue of an interim death certificate, covering all aspects of organising a funeral. This process includes dealing with all necessary paperwork, arranging the service, and helping you through each step of the process
Do we need to contact the deceased’s bank or building society?
Yes, you need to contact all financial institutions where the person had accounts, including banks or building societies. You may be asked to provide a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the will (if it exists).
Do all deaths need to be registered?
Yes, all deaths need to be registered. In the UK, a death should be registered within 5 days of the death. Any delay beyond this period can be penalized unless the death was reported to the coroner.
How long after a person has died can we apply for a grant of probate?
There are no strict rules for the time limit for applying for a grant of probate. However, you cannot distribute the estate of the person who has died may not be distributed until you have received the grant of probate.
How can I help you improve your guidance on managing affairs after a loved one’s passing?
Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our services. If any section of our guidance is unclear, or you feel there is information missing that would be helpful, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Your experiences and insights will aid in improving our guide.
After the funeral has ended, managing your loved one’s affairs becomes the next step, which often involves dealing with various administrative tasks. If you have been named as an executor, you will need to notify several organizations, one of which is the Department of Work and Pensions, to stop any ongoing payments such as benefits to the person who has passed away. This process can typically be done online or by post and will require you to provide details like the address of the person and confirm your relationship with the person.
During this time, you may be able to get assistance from various societies of allied and independent professionals experienced in post-funeral affairs. They can provide guidance on the necessary steps to take and the paperwork you’ll need to gather. It’s a time that calls for both practicality and sensitivity as you navigate through settling your loved one’s affairs.
