When someone close to you dies, the last thing you feel like doing is dealing with paperwork and practical arrangements. Yet fairly quickly, the practicalities begin to surface and can feel overwhelming.
In my experience, it helps to break things down into smaller, manageable steps. You do not need to solve everything at once. If you approach it one task at a time, it becomes much easier to cope.
Here are some of the key things to think about in the early days after a bereavement.
Paying For The Funeral
Many people worry that they will have to pay the funeral bill personally.
In most cases, that isn’t necessary. If you take the funeral director’s invoice and the death certificate to the deceased person’s bank or building society, the bank will usually arrange for the funeral to be paid directly from the deceased’s account.
Make Sure The House is Secure
If the person who died lived alone, their home may now be empty.
Unfortunately, burglary risks increase when a property becomes vacant. Make sure doors and windows are secure, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the property, and visit regularly.
It is also important to notify the buildings insurer if the property is now unoccupied, as this can affect the terms of the insurance.
Find Out Whether There Is a Will
One of the most important early questions is whether your loved one left a Will.
If there is a Will, it will usually name the executors — the people responsible for dealing with the estate. The Will also determines who inherits.
Look carefully through personal papers and check with any solicitor they may have used. If the original Will is held by a solicitor or will-writing service, it is important to obtain the original document, not just a copy.
If no Will exists, the estate will be dealt with under the rules of intestacy, which determine who inherits and who has authority to administer the estate.
Gather Together Important Information
The next step is to identify the assets and liabilities of the estate.
Look for documents relating to:
- bank accounts and savings
- pensions and investments
- mortgages, loans and credit cards
- utilities and council tax
- insurance policies
- vehicles
Most financial institutions have bereavement departments that will guide you through the process once they are notified of the death.
Be Patient With Each Other As a Family
Bereavement can be emotionally raw. Even the closest families sometimes find tensions rising during the administration of an estate.
It helps to recognise that everyone may be grieving in different ways. Taking time, communicating openly, and showing patience with each other can prevent misunderstandings from escalating into conflict.
If disagreements arise about a Will or inheritance, it is always wise to seek early legal advice.
Know When To Get Professional Help
Many aspects of estate administration can be handled by families themselves.
However, if the estate involves property, inheritance tax, or complicated family circumstances, professional guidance can save a great deal of time and stress.
A solicitor experienced in probate can help ensure everything is handled properly and that executors are protected from personal liability.
How We Can Help?
At Johnson & Boon, we regularly support families through the probate process. Our aim is always to make the process as clear and manageable as possible during what is often a difficult time.
If you have recently lost a loved one and would like advice about probate or administering an estate, please contact our Private Client team.
We would be happy to help.
