Life After Loss - A Practical Checklist
- Fair Cost Funerals
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
When someone close to us passes away, grief comes first
But alongside the emotions, there’s an unexpected mountain of practical tasks. From paperwork to phone calls, the list can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already struggling with loss.
At Fair Cost Funerals, we believe part of our role as a funeral director in Sheffield isn’t just arranging a dignified service. It’s also guiding families through the practical admin after death. In this article, we’ve created a clear, compassionate checklist of what needs to be done—helping you feel a little more in control during an otherwise difficult time.
Why Admin Feels So Hard After Death
Admin isn’t just about ticking boxes. Each phone call or form is a reminder that life has changed. It can feel painfully final, and even unfair, to cancel a loved one’s driving licence or deal with their bank. That’s why breaking tasks into manageable steps, and knowing where to start, makes a huge difference.
In Sheffield, families often tell us they wish someone had given them a simple list to follow. So here it is: practical, step-by-step, and designed to be printed or bookmarked for reference.
The Essential Checklist: Admin After Death
1. Immediate Steps (First Few Days)
Obtain a legal pronouncement of death (hospital, hospice, or doctor)
Notify close family and friends
Arrange care for dependents and pets
Secure property and valuables (lock house, car, etc.)
Check for organ donation wishes (driver’s licence, donor registry, advance directive)
2. Funeral & Memorial Arrangements
Locate the will or pre-paid funeral plan (if any)
Choose a funeral home or cremation service
Arrange funeral, burial, or cremation
Write and publish obituary or death notice
Collect death certificates (order 10–15 copies)
3. Legal & Financial Notifications
Locate will, trust, or estate documents
Identify and contact the executor, or appoint one if none named
Contact an estate/probate solicitor if needed
Social Security Administration / HMRC / DWP
Employer / pension provider
Banks and financial institutions
Insurance companies (life, health, auto, home)
Mortgage company or landlord
Credit card companies
Utility providers (gas, electricity, internet, etc.)
DVLA (cancel driving licence, vehicle records)
4. Estate & Assets
Gather financial records (bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, debts)
Take inventory of assets and liabilities
File the will with probate court (if required)
Open an estate bank account for incoming funds and bills
Manage and distribute assets according to the will/trust
Cancel subscriptions, memberships, and recurring payments
5. Digital & Personal Affairs
Access and close email accounts, social media, and digital subscriptions
Notify clubs, unions, and associations
Redirect or stop mail delivery
Update/cancel health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid
6. Taxes & Final Administration
File an estate tax return if applicable
Pay outstanding debts and bills
Distribute inheritance to heirs
Close the estate formally with probate court
Local Help in Sheffield
While national systems exist, don’t forget local support. In Sheffield:
Citizens Advice Sheffield offers free, confidential guidance on benefits and debt.
Sheffield Register Office provides support with the Tell Us Once service.
Probate solicitors across the city can help if estates are complicated.
And of course, as your local funeral director, Fair Cost Funerals is always here to answer questions—not just about funerals, but about the practical steps that follow.
Every tick on that list is more than paperwork—it’s a step towards easing uncertainty. Families often say that once the admin is underway, the fog lifts a little. You begin to see what’s left to do, rather than feeling swamped by “everything at once”.
Our advice: don’t feel you need to complete everything immediately. Ask friends or relatives to share the load. Sometimes a simple task, like cancelling a broadband subscription, is a way others can help.
Closing Thoughts
At Fair Cost Funerals, we know that admin after death is rarely spoken about, but it’s one of the most stressful parts of bereavement. By breaking it down into steps, and knowing what support is available in Sheffield, you can navigate this difficult period with a little more ease.
If you’re unsure about any stage, please reach out. Whether you need advice about probate, help contacting local services, or simply a kind ear, we’re here for you.
Because while grief is unavoidable, unnecessary confusion doesn’t have to be.
Comments