When someone dies in the UK there are over 30 practical, legal and financial tasks to complete -- many with strict deadlines. The death must be registered within 5 days. Any inheritance tax due must be paid within 6 months of death or interest accrues. The estate cannot be distributed until probate is granted.
| Key deadline | Detail |
|---|---|
| Register the death | Within 5 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 8 days in Scotland (Source: Births, Deaths, Marriages Act 1953) |
| IHT payment | 6 months from end of month of death -- interest accrues after this (Source: HMRC IHT guidance) |
| Tell Us Once | Notifies most government departments simultaneously -- use immediately after registering |
| Probate application | After IHT position confirmed -- HMCTS target 16-20 weeks (Source: HMCTS 2025) |
| Distribute estate | Only after Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is issued |
Immediately -- Within 24-48 Hours
- If death was at home and expected: contact the GP to certify the death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
- If death was unexpected or unattended: the coroner will be involved -- do not move the body without coroner instruction
- Contact a funeral director -- they can take the body into their care while you make arrangements
- Locate the will -- check the home, the deceased's solicitor, bank safe deposit box or the National Will Register at certainty.co.uk
Within 5 Days -- Register the Death
Register at the register office for the district where the death occurred. Bring the MCCD from the doctor. The registrar issues a death certificate -- order at least 8-10 certified copies at 11 pounds each. Banks, pension providers, HMRC and the Probate Registry all require original certified copies. The registrar also issues a Certificate for Burial or Cremation and access to Tell Us Once.
Tell Us Once -- Use Immediately After Registration
Tell Us Once notifies DWP (stops benefits including State Pension and PIP), HMRC (updates tax records), Passport Office (cancels passport), DVLA (cancels driving licence) and the local council (stops Council Tax discounts). Access at gov.uk/after-a-death. It does not notify banks, insurance companies, pension providers or subscription services -- these must be contacted separately.
Within the First Month -- Financial Notifications
- Banks and building societies -- joint accounts continue with the survivor; sole accounts are frozen pending probate
- Pension providers -- defined contribution pensions have a nominated beneficiary; notify each provider
- Life insurance -- most claims paid within 30 days of receiving all documents
- Credit cards and loans -- unsecured debt is a claim against the estate, not against surviving family members unless they were a joint borrower
- Utilities and subscriptions -- cancel or transfer direct debits and standing orders
Within 6 Months -- Inheritance Tax
If the estate exceeds the IHT threshold (325,000 pound nil-rate band plus potentially 175,000 pound Residence Nil-Rate Band), an IHT account must be filed with HMRC. Any IHT due must be paid within 6 months of the end of the month of death -- interest at Bank of England base rate plus 2.5% accrues after this date. IHT can be paid directly from the deceased's bank account via the Direct Payment Scheme without waiting for probate. (Source: HMRC IHT payment guidance)
Distributing the Estate -- Correct Order
- Funeral expenses (priority claim)
- Secured debts (mortgage)
- Unsecured debts (credit cards, loans, HMRC)
- Specific legacies named in the will
- Residual estate to residuary beneficiaries
This article is for information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Consult a qualified adviser for guidance tailored to your situation. Check the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk before dealing with any financial firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a family member liable for the deceased's debts?
Only if they were a joint borrower on a specific debt. Unsecured debts are claims against the estate, not against surviving family members. Family members do not inherit debt simply by being next of kin or beneficiaries.
What happens if there is no will?
The estate is distributed under the intestacy rules (Administration of Estates Act 1925). In England and Wales, a spouse or civil partner inherits the first 322,000 pounds plus personal property and half of anything above that. Unmarried partners have no automatic rights under intestacy regardless of the length of the relationship.
Can a bank release funds before probate?
Yes for small amounts -- most banks have a discretionary limit (typically 5,000-50,000 pounds) below which they release funds on production of the death certificate. Ask the bank directly what their specific threshold is.
How long does the whole process take?
A straightforward estate typically takes 6-12 months from death to final distribution. Complex estates with IHT, property sales, foreign assets or disputes can take 2-3 years or longer.
Sources
- Tell Us Once: gov.uk
- HMRC Inheritance Tax: gov.uk/inheritance-tax
- HMCTS Probate Service: apply-for-probate.service.gov.uk
- Administration of Estates Act 1925: legislation.gov.uk
