Checklist of things to do following a bereavement

Legal Issues

• Register the death and obtain a death certificate
• Contact a funeral director to arrange the funeral
• Notify the deceased's solicitor if there is one
• Notify the executors named in the will. If there is no will, decide who to appoint as administrator to administer the deceased's estate

Financial

• Notify banks, building society, credit union, post office, companies in which shares are held, etc.
• Cancel Direct Debits/Standing Orders in the deceased's bank or building society
• Cancel subscriptions to clubs/groups/magazines, etc.
• Cancel insurance policies, health insurance etc.
• Contact the Department of Social Protection if the deceased was receiving a payment
• Contact any hire purchase/loan companies
• Contact the tax office about possible tax refunds/credits

Housing

• If the deceased held a mortgage, change the name on the mortgage
• Change the name on the house deeds
• If living in rented accommodation, arrange to have the name on the tenancy agreement changed
• Change the name on household utility bills
• Contact An Post to re-direct post to the executor or administrator of the estate

Miscellaneous

• Notify the deceased's employer if an employee or the school/college if in education
• Contact the Local Health Office of the deceased or voluntary organisation if they were getting community care health services
• Contact the doctor/hospital if the deceased was awaiting any appointments
• Contact the travel agency, hotel, airline etc., if the deceased had made reservations, to enquire about any refunds