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Welcome to the bereavement resource hub

Losing a family member is one of the most challenging experiences one can face. It can leave your world in turmoil, leaving you unsure of where to turn, what steps to take, or who to seek help from.

This sense of confusion can be even greater when a death occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, especially if it might have been preventable.

This webpage aims to provide guidance and support, helping you find the advice you need and navigate the practical matters that arise during such an incredibly difficult time.

What to do now?

The Government website provides comprehensive information about the steps that need to be taken when someone dies.

The government does run a helpful Tell Us Once service that can be completed to notify all relevant departments/organisations of a death.

An important consideration to be had at the outset is whether there is an entitlement to bereavement benefits, in which there is a limited time within which to claim.

Arrange a funeral

When arranging a funeral, check if the deceased left any instructions or had a pre-paid funeral plan. If not, the executor or nearest relative will usually decide whether the body will be cremated or buried. Funeral directors must provide a standard price list, so it’s important to ask for an itemised quote. There may be additional fees for third parties, such as the crematorium or clergy.

Funeral costs can be covered by family, life insurance, a pre-paid plan, or the deceased’s estate. If you are responsible and on a low income, you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment to help with the costs, but eligibility rules apply.

Our experts specialise in supporting bereaved families following the loss of a loved one. To find out more, contact us today.

Your legal checklist

There are many legal considerations to be had when someone dies, and these are listed below. Whilst all may not be relevant it is nevertheless important to consider whether these are applicable. All are things we routinely assist people with.

It is important to establish as a matter of priority whether the person who died left a valid last will and testament, as this will affect how many things are dealt with moving forward. This includes who has the right to take decisions about the funeral and administer the estate, as well who the assets pass to.

A last will and testament could be stored in a safe place in the deceased’s home, or they are often kept by local solicitors or by a deceased person’s bank. There are also several national wills registers and, whilst these are not necessarily exhaustive as they are not compulsory, it may be worth checking with them if you cannot find a will elsewhere. If there is a will, then it will most likely name executors of the estate and, if this is not you, then you should contact the executors as soon as possible, so that they can decide whether they are going to administer the estate. If you are the executor, then we have provided further guidance below on next steps.

If there is no will, then the estate will be deemed intestate, and the party entitled to the assets and to administer the estate will be determined by the family tree. The rules of intestacy are helpfully set out in our flowchart.

Should you wish to discuss the terms of any will, or what it means if someone has died intestate, then please do get in touch with us, and we can assist.

In some instances, there can be a dispute about the contents of a will. We have a dedicated Private Wealth Disputes department who can consider any potential conflict over a will.

 

This is the legal process of distributing someone’s estate after they die. What you need to do to deal with the estate – the money, property and possessions – of the person who’s died depends on whether they made a valid will and, if they did, whether you’re named as an executor in that will.

If they did make a valid will and you’ve been appointed as an executor, then you’ll quite possibly need to apply for a grant of probate to deal with the estate. If there is not a will then the parties entitled to the estate may need to apply for a grant of letters of administration. It’s worth remembering that a grant is needed in various circumstances, not just because a will hasn’t been made or because the total value of the whole estate seems high. There are different factors which make this a requirement, but it is often decided by the value of individual sole assets within a person’s estate. There are exceptions to this rule so contact us and we can check for you.

Probate and estate administration is a complex area, but for much more information, visit our Estate Administration and Probate page.

A crucial part of administering the estate of a deceased person is ensuring the correct tax is paid, including Inheritance Tax. This can be a substantial amount of money and can carry penalties and interest if not paid properly, and you should seek specialist advice about whether you are paying the correct amount.

You can find more information about inheritance tax in the FAQ section of our Estate Administration page.

If the person who died had a lasting or enduring power of attorney, this automatically ends when they die. The attorney should get in touch with the Office of the Public Guardian and send them the power of attorney document, any certified copies and a copy of the death certificate.

For more information, visit our Power of Attorney page.

Private wealth disputes can arise during the administration of an estate or trust, often causing emotional and financial strain for those involved. Such disputes may include challenges to wills, disagreements over the interpretation of trusts, or concerns about the management and distribution of assets.

Resolving these issues requires careful handling and expert legal advice to preserve relationships while ensuring the deceased’s wishes are upheld. Whether you are a beneficiary, executor, or trustee, professional support can help navigate these complex matters, offering clear guidance to achieve fair and practical solutions.

If you are dealing with a private wealth dispute, our team is here to provide compassionate and professional support. For more information or advice, visit our Private wealth disputes page.

Financial affairs will need to be updated as soon as possible. There may be some accounts that need restructuring for tax efficiency (e.g. inherited ISAs). Budget and income streams may also need to be reviewed to ensure the lifestyle can be supported. Finally, if in receipt of inheritance, it is important to address it as soon as possible and take care of the legacy of your loved ones.

Obtaining independent financial advice will help you make sure your finances are in order and any inheritance is safeguarded and invested in line with your future plans and goals.

Our team of independent financial advisors is here to help you navigate these matters with care and sensitivity.

If you would like more information about this, then talk to our independent financial advisers.

Family law issues, such as disputes over child custody, can arise after a loved one’s passing. Following the death of a parent or guardian, questions may arise about who will care for the child and whether others hold parental responsibility. Parental responsibility involves the legal rights and duties in raising a child, and can be obtained in various ways. Inheritance may also be affected, as it is not automatically protected and can be divided in divorce settlements. Seeking advice from a Family Solicitor is crucial, as the Court will prioritise the child’s welfare and consider financial arrangements.

If a relative was looked after in a care home then did they pay the correct care home fees? In some instances, it is possible for the Estate to seek reimbursement of some of the fees if their care should have been covered by the NHS Continuing Healthcare funding scheme. For more information, visit our Nursing Care department.

Your bereavement solicitors

Do you have concerns over how someone died?

Sadly it can be the case that a death has occurred through an accident that was the fault of another. This could be through a medical treatment, road traffic accident or other personal injury.

We recognise the financial burdens that can be placed on someone when they have lost a loved one, and if this is the fault of someone else then it is only right that compensation can be recovered to secure the financial support needed for the future. If you have concerns about how someone died, and whether this could be as a consequence of someone else’s fault, be it through an accident or clinical negligence, then we are able to assist.

We have worked with thousands of bereaved families to ensure that they get answers to how their loved one died and compensation to ensure they have a secure financial future.

In some instances, where the death occurs in a unnatural, in specific circumstances or there is some uncertainty about it, an inquest will be held. This is a hearing in front of a Coroner, who will call relevant evidence to determine who has died, how, when and where they died.

This can be a very daunting and difficult process, especially if there are some concerns about a death being caused by the fault of another. A family can often find other parties being represented by a team of lawyers.

Our specialist solicitors are experts in representing families at the inquest and continuing representation in a subsequent civil claim. The team will guide the family professionally, compassionately, and empathetically through the process from initial instruction, investigations, at the inquest and through to the conclusion of the civil claim. We can also advise on the following so a client’s full legal needs can be met in-house:

Our inquests team can provide more information about how we can help.

This short guide about the Coroner’s service and investigations can provide more information.

Losing a loved one is always a deeply painful experience, but when that loss occurs due to medical negligence, the grief can be even more complex. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, including anger, confusion, and injustice. You may have many questions about what happened, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. Support is available to help you navigate both the emotional and practical aspects of your loss. Seeking guidance from specialist organisations, or connecting with others who have faced similar circumstances, can provide a vital sense of understanding and community.

If you believe medical negligence played a role in your loved one’s death, you may also be considering legal action. Pursuing a claim can be a difficult process, but it is one way to find answers and potentially hold those responsible to account. While no outcome can undo your loss, taking steps towards justice can sometimes offer a sense of closure. Whatever you choose to do, remember to be kind to yourself, and give yourself the time and space to grieve. Professional bereavement support can also be a lifeline during this challenging time.

For more information, visit our Clinical Negligence page.

Losing a loved one in a road traffic collision is a sudden and traumatic experience that can leave you feeling shocked, devastated, and uncertain about how to move forward. The unexpected nature of such a loss can make it incredibly difficult to process, as you may struggle with feelings of disbelief, anger, or even guilt. It’s important to remember that grief is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to feel or cope. Support services are available to help you manage your emotions and provide a safe space to talk about your loss.

If your loved one’s death was caused by another driver’s actions, you may be considering seeking justice through legal channels. While this may feel daunting, it can be a way to address the injustice of what happened and provide some answers. It’s essential to prioritise your emotional well-being during this time and seek professional guidance if needed. Bereavement support organisations can offer comfort and help you navigate both the emotional and practical challenges that follow such a tragic event.

For more information, visit our Road traffic accidents page.

Losing a loved one in a workplace accident is a devastating and often shocking experience, made even more difficult by the knowledge that the incident may have been preventable. The sudden loss can leave you feeling overwhelmed, with a mixture of grief, anger, and unanswered questions about how such a tragedy could happen. It’s important to take the time to process your emotions and reach out for support. Bereavement services can offer a safe space to express your feelings and help you cope with the emotional toll of such a loss.

If the accident was due to negligence or unsafe working conditions, you may be considering legal action to seek justice for your loved one. Although this can be a difficult path to take, it may provide some answers and a sense of accountability. As you navigate both the legal and emotional challenges ahead, remember that support is available. Seeking professional guidance, both for your grief and any legal matters, can help you through this painful time and ensure you do not have to face it alone.

For more information, visit our Accidents at work page.

Losing a loved one to an industrial disease can be an especially painful and distressing experience. These illnesses, often caused by long-term exposure to harmful conditions in the workplace, can leave you feeling a deep sense of injustice, knowing that their suffering might have been preventable. The gradual nature of industrial diseases often means families witness a long and difficult decline, adding to the complexity of their grief. During this time, it’s crucial to reach out for support, both emotionally and practically, as you navigate the impact of this loss.

If your loved one’s death was the result of unsafe working practices or negligence, you may be thinking about pursuing a legal claim. While no legal outcome can reverse your loss, seeking justice can sometimes provide a sense of closure and ensure accountability. It’s important to take care of your emotional well-being as you go through this process, and there are organisations that can offer specialist advice and bereavement support. You do not need to face these challenges alone—help is available to guide you through the emotional and practical steps of your journey.

For more information, visit our Industrial disease page.

Our experts specialise in supporting bereaved families following the loss of a loved one. To find out more, contact us today.

Coping with grief and bereavement advice

There is no doubt that grief is incredibly difficult, and no one person deals with it in the same way. If you are struggling to deal with it you should seek medical advice.

Further to this there are a number of charity organisations that can provided support to families in such difficult times. We work with a number of highly regarded charities who provide such assistance. You are invited to contact them directly to see what support they can offer you.

Other bereavement help and support organisations can be found on the government website.

Related services

Accidents at work Contesting a will Estate administration Family Hugh James independent financial advisers Inquests Solicitors Medical Negligence Solicitors Nursing Care fee recovery Powers of Attorney Private wealth disputes Road traffic accidents Wills by Hugh James Workplace Disease and Illness Claims

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