We have put together this list to assist you in completing a range of tasks that should be done once a loved one has passed away.
- Contact the deceased’s solicitor regarding the Will. It is important to ascertain the contents of the Will as it may contain instructions regarding the funeral arrangements
- Contact the deceased’s employer or professional association together with the Inland Revenue
- Inform Local Government; cancel housing/tax benefits/Social Services
- Social Security: cancel any direct payments into Bank accounts etc.
- Contact Banks/Building Societies/credit card companies etc. (joint accounts require change of name.)
- Car Insurance: you are not legally insured to drive if the Policy is in the deceased’s name
- DVLA to return driving licence, cancel or return car tax, change car registration documents
- Contact pension providers, investment and life insurance companies, and mortgage providers
- Premium Bonds are not transferable; the Post Office will provide you with a form to submit to the Bonds and Stock Office
- Inform utility companies if accounts are held in deceased’s name and TV/internet companies
- Re-direct post via the Royal Mail (a small charge is made for this service)
- Return Passport to the UK Identity and Passport Service
- Notify clubs, trade unions, associations, seasonal memberships for cancellation and possible refunds
- If the property is unoccupied: check it is secure and in cold weather, leave some form of heating on to prevent burst pipes. It might also be advisable to let a neighbour have a key to remove any build up of freepost.
- If there is no Will, you may wish to apply to the Probate Registry for Letters of Administration – you can do this yourself or appoint a Solicitor to help you.
For further advice please call 023 9282 4831 for our Portsmouth
branch or call 023 9226 9000 for our Waterlooville branch
Barrells Funeral Directors are a proud Member of the Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors