When someone close to you dies, the paperwork arrives at the worst possible time. This checklist breaks it into stages so you only have to think about what's next, not everything at once. Processes differ a little between states and territories, so treat this as a guide and check anything you're unsure about with the organisation involved or a solicitor.
In the first few days
- A doctor confirms the death and completes the medical certificate of cause of death. If the death was unexpected, the police and the coroner may be involved instead.
- A funeral director, if you're using one. They usually lodge the death registration with your state or territory's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, which is how you get the death certificate.
- Close family and friends, and the person's employer if they were working.
- The executor named in the will, if it isn't you. Look for the original will: check home files, the person's solicitor, or their bank's safe custody.
- Anyone relying on the person for care, such as children, pets or someone they looked after.
Once the death is registered
The Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS) lets you tell several organisations at once, such as banks, telcos and utilities that take part, using one online form. It doesn't cover everyone, so keep a list of who you've told and follow up the rest yourself.
- Services Australia: Centrelink payments, Medicare and Child Support, if any applied.
- Superannuation funds: each fund handles its own death benefit claim. Ask whether there is a binding nomination and whether there is insurance inside the super.
- Banks and credit providers: accounts are usually frozen until the estate is sorted. Ask what they need to release funds or pay funeral costs.
- Insurers: life, home, contents, car and private health.
- The Australian Taxation Office, usually through the executor or the person's tax agent. A final tax return is often needed.
- Utilities, phone and internet providers and any subscriptions.
In the weeks and months after
- Your state's road authority for the driver licence and any vehicle registration.
- The Australian Passport Office to cancel a current passport.
- The Australian Electoral Commission, so the person is removed from the electoral roll.
- Landlords or strata, and anyone the person rented from.
- Clubs, memberships and loyalty programs, and the person's social media and email accounts.
- The Supreme Court in your state, if probate or letters of administration are needed. Many banks and super funds ask for a grant of probate when larger amounts are involved.
Make it easier for the people after you
Almost every step above is faster when the family knows where things are: the will, the super funds, the accounts and the passwords. Writing it down now is one of the kindest things you can do.
- Ledgerleaf: the Australian Life Admin & Just-in-Case File keeps it all in one fillable A4 record, written for Australian super, myGov and Medicare.
- The Executor's Companion walks an executor through the first weeks, probate, assets, super claims, debts, tax and distribution, with space to record every step.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. For advice about a particular estate, speak to a solicitor or your state's Supreme Court probate registry.