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Practical funeral planningAfter a death
A calm starting point for the practical steps that follow a death, with links to official guidance.
The exact first steps depend on where and how the person died. Official guidance should take priority where registration, certification, coroners or benefits are involved.
Start with the official checklist
GOV.UK provides a step by step guide covering registering a death, telling government departments, arranging the funeral and dealing with the estate.
Go to GOV.UK after a death guidance
UK official guidance
- England and Wales: GOV.UK after a death
- Scotland: mygov.scot when someone dies
- Northern Ireland: nidirect death and bereavement
When choosing funeral services
Ask for the funeral director's Standardised Price List and compare the full service you actually want. You can take time to ask questions before agreeing to optional services.