This guide gives general information about the law and services in the UK. It is not legal, financial or medical advice, and your circumstances may differ – for complex estates, disputes or tax, speak to a solicitor or regulated adviser. Information checked against GOV.UK, mygov.scot and nidirect in September 2026. Legacy Hub is not a will-writing or legal service. Legacy Hub® is operated by My Wealth Cloud Ltd. ICO registered.
A bereavement guide by Legacy Hub
When someone dies: what to do, one step at a time
Losing someone you love is overwhelming, and the paperwork arrives at the very moment you have the least to give. This guide walks you through what needs doing and when - the legal essentials, the funeral, the practical admin, and how to look after yourself along the way.
You don't need to read it all at once. Start with today. Come back when you're ready for the next part.
Where did they live? The rules differ across the UK.
If it's just happened
Only three things matter today
- 1Get the death verified. In hospital, a hospice or care home, staff do this. At home and expected, call their GP (or NHS 111 out of hours). If it was unexpected, call 999.
- 2Tell the people closest to you. Ask one trusted person to help share the news so you don't have to repeat it again and again.
- 3Be gentle with yourself. Nothing else has to be decided in the next few hours. It's fine to sit with them, to cry, or to feel nothing at all.
If you're struggling to cope right now, call Samaritans on 116 123 - free, any time, day or night.
The key rules in
Change the nation above to update this guideStep by step
What to do, and when
Choose a stage. Each step tells you what to do, why it matters and where to do it - with links to the official source.
Explore by topic
Everything in one place
Some things are legal duties. Others are about love, memory and getting through the day. Pick what you need right now.
Money at a glance
Figures and deadlines worth knowing
UK-wide unless marked. Checked against GOV.UK in September 2026 - always confirm on the official page before acting, as rates change.
Your checklist
Everything in one list, stage by stage
Grief makes it hard to hold everything in your head. Here's what needs doing, grouped by when it usually happens. You don't have to do it all yourself - share tasks out with family and friends.
Tip: print or screenshot this list and tick it off by hand.
You are not alone
People who can help
Free, confidential support from UK charities and services. Filter by what fits your loss.
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe
Common questions
The things people ask us most
Short, honest answers. Where the law differs between nations, we say so.
Words you'll hear, explained
When you're ready - not before
The hardest part is not knowing. It doesn't have to be that way for the people you love.
So much of what you've just read - finding the will, the accounts, the passwords, the funeral wishes - is harder because nobody wrote it down. Legacy Hub keeps your memories, wishes and life admin in one secure place, and shares them only with the people you choose, only when it should be.
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