Losing someone is incredibly difficult. We’re sorry that you’re here. In the days and weeks that follow, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what needs to be done.
This checklist is here to help you take things one step at a time.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Some things need to happen quickly, while others can wait.
In Plain English
This checklist walks you through what to do after someone dies, from the immediate steps through to managing their estate.
Immediate steps (first 24–48 hours)
Focus on what needs to happen right away.
- Confirm the death (doctor or hospital)
- Contact a funeral director
- Notify close family and friends
- Check if there are any cultural or religious arrangements to follow
- Arrange immediate care for pets (if needed)
If the death occurred at home or unexpectedly, you may also need to contact emergency services.
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.
First few days
Once the immediate steps are taken care of, you can begin organising practical matters.
- Start to arrange the funeral or memorial service
- Locate the will (if there is one)
- Identify who the executor is
- Secure the person’s home and belongings
It’s okay if you can’t find everything straight away, many people locate documents over time.
First 1–2 weeks
Start gathering information and documents.
- Order the death certificate (usually through the funeral director)
- Begin listing assets (bank accounts, property, super, investments)
- Begin listing debts (loans, credit cards, bills)
- Collect identification and important paperwork
Having a clear picture of the estate will help with next steps.
Who to notify
You don’t need to notify everyone immediately. Start with key organisations.
Government
- Services Australia (Centrelink, Medicare)
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Financial institutions
- Banks and lenders
- Superannuation funds
- Insurance providers
Other organisations
- Employer
- Utility providers
- Subscription services
Most organisations will require a death certificate. You can find example email templates in our comprehensive Probate Guide – here.
Managing the estate
Once you have the basic information, attention turns to the estate.
- Confirm whether probate is required
- Gather documents needed for probate
- Prepare to apply (if required)
Learn more: Do I need probate in Australia?
What can wait
Not everything needs to be done immediately.
Tasks like closing accounts, distributing assets, and finalising paperwork can take time and usually happen later in the process.
Focus on what’s most important first.
A simple way to stay organised
It can help to keep a record of:
- who you’ve contacted
- when you contacted them
- what they asked for
This can make the process feel more manageable and avoid repeating steps.
When to get help
Some people handle this process themselves, while others prefer support.
You may want help if:
- the estate is complex
- you’re unsure about the next steps
- you feel overwhelmed
Getting guidance early can help reduce stress and avoid delays.
Not sure where to start?
If you’re unsure whether probate is required or what to do next:
Read: What is probate?
Download: Our easy to use probate guide
Take things one step at a time
There’s no perfect way to handle everything after someone dies.
What matters is moving forward, one step at a time, at a pace that feels manageable for you.
This checklist is here to support you whenever you need it.