What to do when someone dies?

Sobryma

Gut wrenchingly one of my close relatives has been told he has quite a limited time left.

I will need to help out re potential intestacy, a will if I can get him to do one, funeral, registering death etc.

Obviously I want to do as good a job as possible. Can anyone recommend a decent UK based book on dealing with practicalities?



Already posted in Pensions, but this is a more appropriate board.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5072423

getmore4less

Google the thread title that will pull up plenty of links to pages with the basics of what to do when someone dies.

Check your local library, Which do one and there are others just be a little careful on edition something fairly recent is advised as there have been a few changes

also look up the two basic forms for dealing with an estate, PA1 and IHT205 and do a trial run

Armchair23

You'd be surprised how few things are urgent and important.

Those that are do need dealing with, a will is always the first priority.

And of course finding out if your loved one has any preferences about how they die and then how they are disposed of.

Most other things wait and get done in all good time.

Take the opportunity to spend time with your loved one, it's the best gift you can give or receive.

So sorry to hear your news.

Magnolia

Sorry you are having to deal with this sad subject. You will find the undertaker is a mine of information and will be willing to help in all aspects.

AnnieO1234

A word of caution, even if you can "get him to do" a will if he has such short time and you are in any way a potential beneficiary then you may wish to wash your hands of this now should there be any potential issues in the future.

Depending on the size of the estate, the family situation of your relative etc it may just be easier to leave this alone for all parties.

X

JJ_Egan

Based upon my experience this year .


One a will to make it easier .
Two the persons wishes as to funeral etc .
Who to choose as executer of the will .
Paperwork if you know where bank utilities accounts and paperwork are beforehand .

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5073589


On death
Registry office with death certificate and get a couple of copies and also choose the Tell Us Once Service .

Go to the funeral director to start making arrangements and they will have a lot of information .

After the funeral start closing down the utilities or changing the ownership .
Building society's and banks the same .

Its relatively easy with a small estate for the executer to carry out all tasks and not require a solicitor .
Probate is really listing the assets filling out the forms and paying the fee .
Solicitor or not depends upon the family and the estate .

Mojisola

JJ_Egan wrote: »

Go to the funeral director to start making arrangements and they will have a lot of information.

I would go and visit a few funeral directors now and see which one you prefer and get details of their prices.

Sobryma

Thanks to everyone very helpful, I do not intend to be a beneficiary under any will, but given it should be relatively simple will aim to be an executor.

BobQ

Sobryma wrote: »

Thanks to everyone very helpful, I do not intend to be a beneficiary under any will, but given it should be relatively simple will aim to be an executor.

If the person who is dying is of sound mind and able to discuss things sensibly I would ask a local solicitor to make a home visit.

Just in case your relative wants to leave you something it may be best to let the solicitor get on with it and leave the room. Assuming there is a significant estate, it makes sense for the solicitor to decide if he has mental capacity.