Please note that Settld’s award-winning Probate Fast Track Service can support you and your loved ones in working through these tasks.

Check to see what we can help you with.

Prepare for the funeral

Register the death with the Registrar

Look for a Will or/and Letter of Wishes (friends, family, local solicitors)

Undertake a broader will search

Prepare family tree and get copies signed by members of the family

Check for plans to help cover funeral costs (Funeral Plan, Pension Scheme or Life Insurance Policy)

Check if you’re eligible for financial help

Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/calculator to use Age UK’s free online benefits calculator

If you’re on low income and responsible for arranging the funeral, you may also be eligible for government help to cover some costs. Visit www.gov.uk/funeral-payments to find out more.

Contact DWP Bereavement Service (0800 151 2012) for a review of your State Pension entitlement

Arrange the funeral / direct cremation

Choose a funeral director

Tell family and friends about the funeral

Create a funeral notice in the local press

Inform organisations and people about the death

Use Tell Us Onceto notify government organisations (the registrar can assist you with this)

File an asset search to check for additional financial assets that may have been forgotten.

Use Settld to notify companies (banks, utilities, insurers, mobile, broadband etc). Visit Settld

Ask financial institutions for date of death balances, to ascertain estate value

If required, contact: employer, GP, dentist, optician and anyone else providing medical care

Notify Land Registry of death

Property (if empty/going through Probate)

Check the property is secure

Confirm Insurance OR organise alternative insurance cover immediately

Check arrangements in place for frequent visits and local keyholder

Check service meter reading and submit to Utilities. Settld

Check water is drained and switched off

Check valuables are stored safely

Redirect mail Settld

Arrange official valuation of property

Consider search with land registry for extent of property ownership

If Property is to be sold, arrange to put on market Settld Concierge

Property (if tenanted)

Notify landlord and terminate lease/tenancy

Check for and return hired equipment

Arrange to clear property

Cancel property insurance Settld

Arrange for any repayment of council tax, etc

Property (if transferred)

Update existing insurance

Notify council tax department of change in ownership

Notice of assignment to lessor is leasehold property

Notify utilities of update in account holder Settld

Deal with the estate

Understand your legal role (Executor or Administrator) and what it means

Check if you need probate and find a professional to support Settld check for probate

Value the estate

If there is a will, contact beneficiaries

Consider transfer of shares/national savings certificates

Liaise with accountant or financial advisor

Arrange funding for Probate fees and IHT (if required)

Prepare Inheritance Tax (IHT) forms Settld check for probate

Pay debts, inheritance tax and distribute inheritance

Upon Issue of the Grant

Notify financial institutions to close accounts and realise assets

Advertise for creditors in London Gazette and Local Press

Confirm with PRs if Premium bonds to be left in the draw for the 12 months following death or cashed immediately

Prepare to pay

Any Inheritance Tax (IHT) loan

Funeral Expenses if a charge on the estate

Pre-death liabilities

Administration expenses to date

Reimburse out of pocket expenses to PR’s

Look after yourself

Contact charities and support groups in your area

Settld is not legally liable for the contents of this checklist. This checklist is a guide, and may not cover every action required. It is recognised that it will change from time to time. Settld advises the Notifier to obtain legal advice, which can be provided via the Settld Concierge Service.