Steps to take when someone passes away

Initial Steps

• Arrange for pet care
• Secure house– change locks if necessary
• Move vehicles to a secure location
• Store valuable household items (including computers and phones) in a secure location
• Check for funeral documentation
• Check for a Will (or a later Will than any you are aware of) and if found, take notes and photo of where found (see our information sheet about Where and how to look for a Will)
• Look for documentation in relation to assets and liabilities and secure that documentation
• Notify Home and Contents insurer if the property is vacant
• Notify Banks with which deceased had accounts to freeze the account and prevent withdrawals from being made

Next Steps

• Arrange Funeral
• Arrange mail redirection
• Cancel utilities – phone, electricity, gas
• Cancel any subscriptions e.g. newspaper, magazines, internet, Netflix
• Cancel mobile phone account after phone has been searched for a Will or other important information
• Close or memorialise social media accounts after checking for a Will and other relevant information

Notify (where relevant)

• Employer
• Landlord/tenant
• Superannuation fund
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Health Practitioners e.g. doctor, dentist, physio, chiropractor
• Medicare
• Private health insurer
• Centrelink
• Foreign Pension
• Child Support Services
• Clubs or societies where the deceased was a member
• Electoral roll
• Transport authorities – Driver’s Licence, vehicle registrations; rail/bus/tram passes and cards; airline frequent flyer schemes
• NSW Trustee & Guardian (if the deceased was subject to a management order)
• DFAT Passport Office or embassy of issuing country for any other passports.

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Disclaimer: This post contains information of a general nature only and is not intended to be used as advice in relation to a specific matter. Although every care has been taken in preparing the document, it may not be accurate or complete, particularly in the context of specific circumstances. MJM Lawyers disclaims responsibility for any errors or omissions.