When someone dies — whether expected or sudden — there is a practical path you need to follow. This guide walks you through the immediate steps, the paperwork, and the decisions that lie ahead. Every situation is different, but the core process is the same across Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.
Immediate Steps: The First 24 Hours
What you need to do depends on where and how the death occurred.
If the death was expected (at home or in hospice)
- Contact the person’s doctor or palliative care team
- A doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Contact a funeral director — they can handle transport and next steps
- Once you have the medical certificate, register the death with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (AU) or your local registry
If the death was unexpected or at home alone
- Call emergency services (000 in Australia, 999 in the UK, 111 in NZ)
- The police will attend and arrange for a doctor to certify the death
- If the cause is unknown or suspicious, the case will be referred to the coroner
- The body will be taken to a hospital mortuary or the coroner’s facility
If the death occurs in hospital
- The hospital handles the immediate medical certification
- A bereavement officer or social worker will guide you through next steps
- You’ll need to collect the person’s belongings and sign paperwork
- The hospital will arrange transfer to a funeral director of your choice
Getting the Death Certificate
A death certificate is the official record of death. You’ll need multiple copies — banks, insurance companies, and government agencies all require one.
- Australia: Register via your state or territory’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Processing varies by state but typically takes 7–14 days
- UK: Register within 5 days at the local register office. Certificates are usually issued the same day if you attend in person
- New Zealand: Register through the Department of Internal Affairs. Standard processing is 5–10 working days
When the Coroner Is Involved
A coroner investigates deaths that are unexpected, violent, or unexplained — accidents, suicides, workplace deaths, deaths in custody, and cases where the cause is unknown. If the coroner is involved, the process takes longer (sometimes months).
- Australia: Each state has its own coronial system. The coroner may order a post-mortem and hold an inquest
- UK: Coroners are independent judicial officers. They investigate and may hold an inquest with a jury
- New Zealand: Coronial Services NZ investigates reportable deaths. Most cases do not proceed to a full inquest hearing
Arranging a Funeral
Funeral costs vary significantly. The average funeral in Australia costs between ,000 and 5,000. In the UK, the average is £3,500–£5,000. Options include:
- Burial: Traditional option, typically more expensive due to plot costs
- Cremation: More affordable, growing in popularity in both AU and UK
- Direct cremation: No service — the most affordable option (~,000–,000 AU)
- Green/natural burial: Eco-friendly, available through dedicated cemeteries
Notifying Government Agencies and Services
Several organisations need to be notified. Most can be handled by the funeral director, but some you’ll need to do yourself:
- Centrelink / DWP / Work and Income NZ — stop payments and check entitlements
- Banks and financial institutions — freeze accounts and begin estate administration
- Superannuation fund / pension provider — claim death benefits
- Insurance companies — life insurance, funeral insurance, home and contents
- Utilities — electricity, gas, water, phone, internet
- Housing — landlord or mortgage provider
- Electoral commission / local council — remove from electoral roll
- Passport office — cancel passport
Probate and Estate Administration
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate — paying debts, collecting assets, and distributing what’s left to beneficiaries. You may not need probate if the estate is small or assets are jointly held.
- With a will: The executor named in the will applies for probate and administers the estate
- Without a will (intestate): The court appoints an administrator, and distribution follows a legal formula — this is more complex and takes longer
- Timeline: Probate typically takes 3–6 months for straightforward estates. Complex estates can take 12 months or more
Considering Organ Donation
Organ donation can save multiple lives. Most people can donate organs and tissue regardless of age or medical history — suitability is assessed at the time of death.
- Australia: Opt-in system. Register via the Australian Organ Donor Register through Medicare. About 69% of Australians support donation but only 38% are registered
- UK: Opt-out system (since 2020). You’re automatically considered a donor unless you opt out. Register or opt out via the NHS Organ Donor Register
- New Zealand: Opt-in system. Register via the NZ Organ Donor Register
Looking After Yourself
Dealing with death is exhausting — emotionally and practically. The paperwork alone can take weeks to work through.
- Accept help: When people offer to cook meals, make phone calls, or look after children — take them up on it
- Consider grief counselling: Most areas have free or low-cost bereavement services. Your doctor can refer you
- Take your time: There’s no rush on most decisions. Unless a funeral director needs instructions, documents can usually wait a week or two