We can never truly be prepared for that day our spouse or partner passes away.
We have compiled a checklist to give you one less thing to have to spend time exploring during an already difficult time…
Register the death
It's a legal requirement to register a death within 5 days of the death (unless it's been referred to the coroner).
Locate their Will
You will need to locate their Will. This might be in the hands of your solicitor. If they did make a valid will and you've been appointed as an executor, you may need to apply for a grant of probate to deal with the estate.
If there is no valid Will and a Grant is needed, then law stipulates who can apply for the Grant of Letters of Administration and it isn't necessarily the next of kin.
Inform relevant organisations
Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go. A registrar will either complete the Tell Us Once service with you or give you a unique reference number so you can use the service yourself online or by phone.
Who will they contact?
Tell Us Once will contact HM Revenue and Customs, Department for Work and Pensions, Passport Office, DVLA, your local council, to name a few.
Who else do YOU need to contact?
Pension scheme providers, insurance companies, banks and building societies, any creditors – credit cards, loans, car leases etc, an employer, a mortgage provider, utility companies, GP, dentist, and organisations you have relationships with, i.e. streaming services, magazine subscriptions and charities.
Arrange a funeral
If there aren’t any clear wishes, the executor of the will or nearest relative will usually decide if the body will be cremated or buried and what type of funeral will take place.
Bereavement Register
You can register the name and address of the person who's died with the Bereavement Register. This removes their details from mailing lists and stops most advertising mail.
Losing someone you love is hard enough.
Take this post as a reminder to have a conversation with your spouse/partner, to ensure both of your later life plans are in place, and with clear instruction.
It will save you time, additional stress and ensure your wishes are taken care of.
Got a question? Please get in touch, we’re here to help.
Willow Tree Financial Services are a Financial Adviser based in Polegate, East Sussex, UK. We specialise in Financial Planning, Mortgages, Investments & Pension Planning, Protection & Insurance Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning. Contact us on 01323 436680 or by emailing rachael@willowtree-fs.co.uk.
Stay in touch with us on social media:
facebook.com/willowtreefinancialservices
linkedin.com/in/rachael-panteney
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Plus, visit our YouTube channel where you can lots of helpful financial advice videos:
www.youtube.com/@willowtreefinancialservices
Will writing is not part of the Quilter Financial Planning offering and is offered in our own right. Quilter Financial Planning accept no responsibility for this aspect of our business.
Will Writing, Trusts & Estate Planning are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited 19/04/2024.
