There are lots of practical things that have to be dealt with when someone passes away and it can be difficult to think of them all. Here we have tried to list as many as possible to help but we're not claiming that we have covered everything.
Taking advice from a legal specialist offering will advice and probate services could help steer you through legal complexities and offer practical solutions and support tailored to your needs. Solicitors/Advisors
Organisations and businesses:
Car insurance - if the policy is in the name of the deceased any 'additional drivers' named on the policy are no longer insured once the policy holder has died so make sure the documentation is changed to reflect the new situation.
Social services/district nurses - if there is equipment belonging to either of these it must be returned.
Hospital and/or family doctor - any outstanding appointments will need to be cancelled.
Employer or professional association
Inland Revenue
Social Security - form 344/BD8 needs to be completed to cancel any direct payments into the deceased's bank account. This white certificate is provided by the Registrar of Deaths.
Local council - cancel any housing/rate benefits and council tax.
Utilities - gas, electric, water telephone and cable companies.
Post Office - arrange redirection of mail.
Credit and store cards - cancel cards and settle accounts.
Banks and Building Societies - accounts need to be closed and any joint accounts need to be amended. Any debit cards should be returned or destroyed.
Investment, insurance and pension policies - premium bonds are not transferable. The Post Office will issue you with a form that needs to be sent to the Bonds and Stocks Office. For further advice we suggest that you consult an independent financial adviser or accountant.
Items/services you may need to cancel:
Milk
Newspapers
Meals on Wheels
Home help/cleaner
Chiropodist
Physiotherapist
Dentist
Optician
Doctor
Hairdresser
Gardener
The Bereavement Register wil be of help in stopping unwanted mail to the deceased.
Lovingly Managed
A new company Lovingly Managed provide a bereavement co-ordination and support service.
Items to be returned
Passport - return to The Passport Office, UK Passport Agency, 5th Floor, India Building, Water Street, Liverpool
Driving Licence - return to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB.
Vehicle registration documents to change name of ownership - return to DVLA as above to be amended.
Car insurance - to change policy holder's name or apply for a refund on the policy.
Television licence - to change name or apply for a refund.
Season tickets and club membership cards - refunds may be available. Check with the clubs on an individual basis.
Library card and books on loan - return to the library.
National Insurance papers
If the property is unoccupied
Make sure all windows, doors, cat and door flaps are secured and/or locked. Don't forget the garage and any sheds or outbuildings. In winter, leave the heating on to prevent the pipes from freezing. Make sure all perishable food is disposed of and that the fridge door is left ajar. Household plants should be removed or arrangements made for them to be attended to. It's also worth arranging to have the lawn mown every couple of weeks if it's summertime. It may be advisable to leave a key with a trusted neighbour to remove any free newspapers and post to stop them building up and to adjust the blinds or curtains every couple of days to give the impression of the house being occupied. Timers can be purchased from most hardware stores to turn lights on and off automatically at certain times of the day and night.