Life after death: What to do when someone you love dies
When someone close to us dies, the world seems to stop. Grief, shock, and sadness take over. And yet, life continues to ask things of us. Letters arrive, forms need filling, and decisions have to be made. It can feel impossibly unfair.
If you find yourself in this situation, please know you are not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed by the practical side of death, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Here, we’ll gently walk through what usually needs to happen and who can help you along the way.
The first practical steps
In the first days after a death, your focus will likely be on the funeral and family. But there are a few key things that need to be done.
- Register the death: This gives you the official death certificate, which you’ll need later.
- Inform organisations: Banks, pension providers, and government departments need to know. The Tell Us Once service can save you making the same phone call again and again.
- Funeral arrangements: Sometimes people leave a plan or a request. If not, it’s about choosing what feels right for them and for you. Funeral costs can often be covered directly from the person’s bank account.
Probate: The legal bit
‘Probate’ is simply the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate - their money, property, and possessions.
- If the person left a will, the people named as executors apply for probate.
- If there’s no will, a close family member usually takes on the role, applying for what’s called ‘Letters of administration'.
- Not every estate needs probate. For example, if everything was jointly owned, it may pass directly to the surviving spouse.
The process of probate can be summarised below:
It can feel like a big responsibility but remember, probate is about carrying out someone’s wishes. And if it feels too heavy, professionals can take on some or all the work for you.
Inheritance Tax (IHT): What it means
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is often the part people worry about most. In the UK, it’s only due if the estate is above a certain threshold, usually £325,000, with extra allowances in some cases. If everything is left to a spouse, civil partner, or a charity, there’s usually no tax to pay.
It sounds complicated, and sometimes it is. The good news? You don’t need to become an expert overnight. Advisers, accountants, solicitors, and probate specialists deal with this every day, and can make sure nothing is missed.
You don’t have to do this alone
Dealing with a loved one’s estate can take months, sometimes longer. That’s why it helps to have the right support around you:
- Financial advisors can explain tax, inheritance, and what it means for your own finances.
- Solicitors can guide you through probate and legal paperwork.
- Probate specialists can handle the detailed admin if you’d rather not.
- Bereavement support organisations offer a safe space to talk through the emotional side.
The combination of professional help and personal support can help to make the road a little easier.
Taking the next step
None of this takes away the pain of loss. But sorting through the practicalities at your own pace is part of honouring someone’s life and ensuring their wishes are respected.
Be kind to yourself. Lean on others where you can. And remember, you don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it all alone.
If you’re facing the loss of a loved one and would like some guidance with probate, inheritance tax, or financial planning, we’re here to listen and help.
Download our helpful checklist linked below to keep track of the most important steps.
Our Bereavement services provide further guidance on how we can support you.
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DisclaimerCrowe Financial Planning UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide independent financial advice. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Trusts, Tax or Estate Planning. |
