When someone you love passes away, there’s a lot to deal with. Not only do you have the emotional impact, you also have to make arrangements for the funeral and estate. It’s easier if you have a list you can go through to make sure all the basics are covered. Andrew & Andrew, probate solicitors in Portsmouth, can assist you with the legal and administrative aspects of dealing with death.

Death certificate

The first piece of documentation that you will need is the death certificate. Any organisation that you deal with in the coming days and weeks is likely to ask you for a copy. Once someone has confirmed the cause of death, you can get the death certificate from your local registrar. You are likely to need copies and you can get these straight away. Andrew & Andrew can certify copies for you in the future when we act as your probate solicitors in Portsmouth.

Locate the will

If someone has left a will, it can simplify things a great deal. Without it, the estate will be divided up according to the laws of intestacy. These often leave out key beneficiaries that the deceased would have included in a will.

If there is a will, it will name executors for the estate. One or more of these will take on the administration of the proceeds. As probate solicitors in Portsmouth, we can help to ensure any obligations and complexities are covered by the executor’s work.

Make funeral arrangements

When you pick up the death certificate, you will also receive paperwork to allow for burial or cremation. You can take these to a funeral home and they will move forward with the arrangements according to your wishes. Sometimes, people leave instructions regarding their funeral preferences in their will. They may also leave details of any payment plan or insurances that are intended to cover funeral costs.

Inform organisations

Various official organisations, like banks and HMRC, will need to know about the death. You also need to talk to utility companies, any credit organisations and the local council. They will all close accounts and provide final bills for the estate, if necessary.