Intestacy is the legal term for dying without a valid will. When someone dies intestate in the UK, their estate does not pass according to their personal wishes but instead follows a strict legal framework known as the intestacy rules. These rules determine who … [Read more...]
What is a bereavement counsellor and when should you see one?
A bereavement counsellor is a trained professional who provides structured emotional support to people experiencing grief following the death of someone close to them. They help individuals process loss in a healthy way, working through the complex emotions that … [Read more...]
What should you do in the first 24 hours after a death?
In the first 24 hours after a death, the most important steps are to obtain a medical certificate of cause of death, notify close family members, and begin making arrangements to register the death. Acting promptly matters because registration must happen within five … [Read more...]
What is the difference between an executor and an administrator?
An executor is a person named in a valid will to carry out the deceased's wishes and administer their estate. An administrator is someone appointed by the court to manage an estate when there is no will, or when the named executor is unable or unwilling to act. Both … [Read more...]
How do you cancel a deceased person’s subscriptions and accounts?
To cancel a deceased person's subscriptions and accounts, you will need to contact each provider directly, supply a copy of the death certificate, and confirm your authority to act on behalf of the estate. Most providers in the UK have a dedicated bereavement process, … [Read more...]
What is the Tell Us Once service and how does it work?
The Tell Us Once service is a free UK government service that allows you to report a death to multiple government departments and local council services in a single notification, rather than contacting each one separately. It is available in England, Scotland, and … [Read more...]
What is a death certificate and how many copies do you need?
A death certificate is the official document issued by the registrar to confirm a person has died. It records the date, place, and cause of death, and it is the foundational document required to begin administering a deceased person's estate. In the UK, most executors … [Read more...]
What bills and expenses need to be paid after someone dies?
After someone dies, their outstanding bills and debts do not simply disappear. Most financial obligations - from utility bills and council tax to mortgages and credit card balances - must be settled from the deceased's estate before any inheritance is distributed to … [Read more...]
How do you value a deceased person’s estate for probate?
To value a deceased person's estate for probate, you must identify and calculate the open market value of all assets owned by the deceased at the date of death. This includes property, savings, investments, vehicles, and household contents. The resulting figure … [Read more...]
Can you clear a house before probate is granted?
Technically, you can begin clearing a house before probate is granted, but doing so carries significant legal and financial risk. The estate's assets, including all contents of the property, belong to the estate until probate is formally issued, and removing or … [Read more...]
