Losing someone is one of the hardest things you can go through. In the hours and days that follow, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, unsure what needs to be done, and worried about getting things wrong.
This guide walks you through what to do when someone dies in Australia, step by step, in plain English, at your own pace.
Take a moment, you don’t need to do everything at once. Some things need to happen quickly, while others can wait a while.
What to Do Immediately After a Death
What happens right away depends on where and how the person passed away.
If the death occurs in a hospital or aged care facility
- Staff will usually manage and guide you through the immediate steps
- A doctor generally completes the medical certification or certification of death
- You’ll usually be guided through what happens next
If the death occurs at home
- Contact the person’s doctor, palliative care team, or emergency services depending on the circumstances
- A medical practitioner usually needs to confirm or certify the death before later steps can happen
If the death is unexpected or unexplained, violent or reportable
- Police and/or a coroner may become involved
- For some deaths the coroner may investigate the cause and circumstances of death
This process can feel confronting, but it is a normal part of ensuring everything is handled properly.
Learn more: What happens immediately after death?
Missing One Document Can Add Weeks to Probate.
Many of those delays can be avoided
Our simple step-by-step guide helps you understand the process, gather the right documents and avoid common issues that can slow things down.
Registering a Death in Australia
Every death in Australia generally needs to be registered with the relevant state or territory registry.
In most cases:
- The funeral director submits the registration, but this can vary if no funeral director is involved
- The funeral director will usually ask for information required to register the death
- The funeral director can often help arrange the official death certificate, or explain how to apply for it.
The death certificate is essential. It feels very final, but it’s normally required when dealing with banks, government agencies, and managing the estate.
Learn more: Registering a death in Australia
Checklist: What to Do After Someone Dies
Here is a simple checklist of what to do when someone dies in Australia.
Immediate (first 24–48 hours) suggested steps:
- Confirm the death
- Contact a funeral director
- Inform close family and friends
Short term (first few days) suggested steps:
- Arrange the funeral
- Locate the will (if there is one)
- Secure property and belongings
Next steps (following weeks) suggested steps:
- Obtain the death certificate
- Notify organisations
- Begin managing the estate
- Registration of the death is usually handled earlier by the funeral director
Full guide: Checklist – what to do after someone dies
Who to Notify After a Death
You don’t need to notify everyone immediately. Start with the most important organisations such as:
Government organisations
- Services Australia (Centrelink, Medicare)
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Financial institutions
- Banks and lenders
- Superannuation funds
- Insurance providers
Other organisations
- Employer (if applicable)
- Utility providers
- Subscription services
Many organisations will require a copy of the death certificate, but requirements can differ.
Full guide: Who to notify after a death
What to Do in the First Few Days
After the immediate steps are taken care of, there are a few practical things to begin organising.
Arrange the funeral
A funeral director can often help with:
- Transporting the person
- Organising the service
- Funeral arrangements
- Handling some paperwork
There is no single “right” way to do this, take your time where you can and choose a funeral director who makes you feel at ease.
Locate important documents
If appropriate, try to find key documents such as:
- The will
- Identification documents
- Financial records
If you can’t find these straight away, that’s okay.
Secure property and belongings
If the person lived alone, there are some practicalities to think about such as:
- Secure the home
- Protect valuables
- Arrange care for any pets
Managing the Estate (What Happens Next)
Once the immediate tasks are handled, attention turns to the estate — the person’s assets, debts, and wishes.
The executor named in the will usually has responsibility, although they may need probate before dealing with some assets.
If you’re the executor, you may need to:
- Identify assets and debts
- Deal with banks and institutions
- Distribute the estate when appropriate
Learn more: What does an executor do?
Step-by-step: Executor responsibilities checklist
Download: Step by step Probate Guide
Do You Need Probate in Australia?
One of the most common questions is whether probate is required.
Probate is a court grant confirming the will and executor’s authority to administer the estate.
Not every estate needs a grant, it depends on assets, ownership and institution requirements.
Whether probate is needed often depends on:
- The type and value of assets
- Ownership
- Requirements of institutions and banks
Start here: Do I need probate in Australia?
Learn the basics: What is probate?
How Long Does Probate Take and What Does It Cost?
If probate is required, many people want to understand the timeline and costs involved.
Learn more:
These guides break things down in simple terms so you know what to expect.
Getting Help With Probate and Estate Administration
You don’t have to do everything yourself.
Some people handle parts of the process independently. Others prefer professional help, which comes in useful if:
- The estate is complex
- There is no will
- There are disputes or uncertainty
Getting guidance early may help reduce stress and avoid delays.
Take Things One Step at a Time
There is no perfect way to handle everything after someone dies.
What matters is moving forward, one step at a time.
If you’re ready, you can continue with:
Start with probate
- Do I need probate in Australia?
- How to apply for probate
- Probate without a will
- Can probate be avoided?
Or learn about the executor role
Or understand costs and timelines
You’re Not Alone in This
If this all feels like a lot, that’s because it is.
Most people navigating this process are doing it for the first time, during one of the most difficult periods of their life.
This site is here to help you understand what to do, reduce uncertainty, and guide you toward the next step, whatever that looks like for you.
We do not offer professional help or legal advice.