Legal Steps After Death – What to Do and Who to Contact

(Paralegal Services Sunderland)

When a loved one passes away, it can be overwhelming to know what to do next — emotionally and practically. At Paralegal Services Sunderland, we guide you through the legal steps after death with clarity, compassion, and professionalism.

Whether you’re unsure about registering the death, handling probate, or arranging the funeral, this guide outlines what needs to happen — and who can help.

In England and Wales, a death must usually be registered within 5 days.

You’ll need:

• A medical certificate of cause of death (issued by a GP or hospital)
   
• Personal details of the deceased
   
• Details of the informant (you)
   

Registration takes place at the local register office. We can help you book the appointment and advise what to bring.

After registration, you’ll receive the death certificate and a reference number to use the ‘Tell Us Once’ service. This notifies:

• HMRC (tax)
   
• DWP (benefits and pensions)
   
• DVLA (driving licence and car)
   
• Local Council (council tax, blue badge)
   

You’ll also need to inform:

• Banks and building societies
   
• Utility companies
   
• Insurance providers
   

We can help you create a list and prepare letters if needed.

Whether you are choosing a traditional service or a simple cremation, arranging the funeral is often one of the first practical steps.

We work closely with our family-owned funeral home, Tony Clarke Funeral Directors, to provide a caring and professional service across Sunderland.
They offer flexible packages, direct cremation options, and support every step of the way.
 

We ensure that the legal and ceremonial sides are handled with dignity and respect.

Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate — their money, property, and belongings.

You may need probate if the person:

• Owned property
   
• Had significant savings
   
• Left a will
   

At Paralegal Services Sunderland, we can:

• Help you apply for probate
   
• Support estate administration (with or without a will)
   
• Guide you through inheritance tax, debts, and asset transfers
   

We offer fixed-fee services and clear advice — no hidden costs or hourly rates.

If the deceased lived alone, it’s important to:

• Secure the home
   
• Redirect post
   
• Notify insurers
   
• Catalogue valuable items
   

We can assist with property access, house clearance coordination, and ensuring all items are properly accounted for in the estate.

Losing a loved one is never easy. We aim to support not only the legal side but also your wellbeing.

We can refer you to:

• Local grief support groups
   
• Free counselling services
   
• Trusted funeral planning resources
   

And if you need help updating your own will or putting plans in place for your family, we’re here for that too.

Whether you need advice now or want to plan ahead, contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation chat.

📍 Paralegal Services Sunderland
29 Railway Terrace, Sunderland, SR4 0PY
📞 0191 5656055  option 2
✉️ infoparalegalservices.uk@proton.me

“Practical help when it matters most — with the support of professionals who care.”