When someone passes away, it can be an extremely difficult and emotional time for their loved ones. There are also several important practical steps that need to be taken to notify relevant organisations and handle the deceased person’s affairs. This guide outlines who you need to contact after a death, and provides advice on how to manage this difficult process.
Notifying government departments and agencies
One of the first things you’ll need to do when someone dies is notify government departments and agencies. This ensures the person is officially registered as deceased, and stops any payments or services in their name.
Here are some key organisations to notify:
- Births, Deaths and Marriages – You’ll need to register the death with the Births, Deaths and Marriages registry in the state or territory where the person died. They will provide documentation like a death certificate that is needed for many other steps.
- Centrelink – If the deceased was receiving a pension or other benefits from Centrelink, you’ll need to inform them so payments can be stopped.
- Department of Veterans Affairs – If the deceased was a veteran receiving a pension or other entitlements, the DVA will need to be advised.
- Australian Taxation Office – You’ll need to notify the ATO and possibly lodge a final tax return on behalf of the deceased if they earned income in that financial year.
Most government agencies have dedicated phone numbers for bereavement services, so you can call and speak to staff who are specifically trained to handle notifications sensitively and guide you through the steps involved.
Managing financial affairs
An important part of the administration after a death is handling the deceased’s financial matters, like bank accounts and bills. Here’s what you may need to do:
- Contact banks and financial institutions where the deceased held accounts. Provide a certified copy of the death certificate and instructions for closing or transferring accounts.
- Cancel any direct debit or recurring payment arrangements the deceased had set up, such as subscriptions or insurance premiums.
- Check if the deceased had any insurance policies that pay out on death, and make claims on eligible policies.
- Notify utility companies and other service providers of the death and close any accounts if necessary.
- Redirect the deceased’s mail to an appropriate person who can manage their affairs. Set up a re-direction with Australia Post.
If the deceased left behind significant assets or a complicated financial estate, you may need advice from professionals like lawyers, accountants and financial advisors.
Arranging the funeral
One of the most important tasks is arranging the funeral and notifying people who should attend. Here’s a general overview:
- Check if the deceased left any instructions for their funeral – many people pre-plan or leave wishes.
- Choose a funeral director who can help you organise the arrangements.
- Decide on the type of funeral, burial or cremation options.
- Set a date and time for the funeral and confirm the venue.
- Notify family members, friends, colleagues and community groups who should be informed about the funeral.
- Write and publish a funeral notice in the newspaper and/or online.
- Organise catering, flowers, transport, music and any other elements you want for the funeral service.
The funeral director will be able to guide you through all the decisions and paperwork required. Costs can be met from the deceased’s funds or insurance if applicable.
Probate and executing the Will
Where a deceased person left a Will detailing how they wanted their assets distributed, you’ll need to apply for probate and execute the Will:
- Locate the original Will document signed by the deceased.
- Apply to the Supreme Court in your state or territory for a grant of probate.
- Provide notice to any beneficiaries named in the Will, and advertise the notice to give others a chance to contest.
- Once probate is granted, start distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the instructions in the Will.
- If any beneficiaries have died, their share goes to their descendants or estate.
A lawyer can provide guidance on applying for probate and administering an estate according to the provisions in a Will. Fees may be charged for this legal work.
Notifying other organisations
Beyond government agencies and financial institutions, there are a broad range of other organisations and services that may need to be notified about the death, including:
- Employers – If the deceased was working, their current employer will need to be notified.
- Superannuation funds – The deceased’s super fund will need formal notice to start the process of distributing any death benefits.
- Clubs or associations – Any groups or memberships the deceased had should be informed.
- Doctors and health providers – Regular doctors, dentists, specialists etc should be notified.
- Advisors – Lawyers, accountants, financial planners and other advisors who acted for the deceased should be contacted.
Friends and relatives may be able to assist by contacting some of these organisations on your behalf.
Cancelling licences and memberships
To finalise a deceased’s personal affairs, make sure to cancel any licences, memberships or subscriptions in their name. This includes:
- Driver’s licence – Notify the motor registry in your state or territory.
- Passport – The passport office will need to be contacted to cancel and possibly return any passport.
- Professional licences – Cancel any trade, teaching or other professional licences or certificates.
- Gym, airline, loyalty program and other memberships.
- Magazine, newspaper and other subscriptions.
For low value memberships it may be easier to simply not renew when they are up for payment again. Higher value travel and service memberships could be eligible for refunds that would form part of the estate, so check policies for any cancellation provisions.
Who can help with tasks after a death?
It can be difficult for those grieving to manage all the administrative tasks required after someone dies. Fortunately, there are professionals who can provide assistance:
| Professional | How they can help |
|---|---|
| Funeral director | Will guide you through decisions about funeral arrangements and manage logistics on the day. |
| Lawyer | Can assist with probate, executing the Will and transferring assets to beneficiaries. |
| Accountant | Can prepare final tax returns and provide advice on financial matters. |
| Trustee | May be appointed executor of the Will to administer the estate if it is complex. |
Some people may find comfort in engaging professionals to take on tasks they don’t feel equipped to manage during their grief. However, there are many things friends and family can help with, like contacting organisations, writing the funeral notice and cleaning out the deceased’s home.
Be kind to yourself
Dealing with the death of a loved one and sorting out their affairs can be one of the most stressful life experiences. It’s important during this difficult time to be kind to yourself:
- Ask others for help when you need it – you don’t have to do this alone.
- Take time to grieve and process your emotions.
- Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated.
- Get adequate rest and take breaks from demands when possible.
- Connect with your support networks like family and friends.
- Seek professional counselling if you are struggling to cope.
The responsibilities that come with losing someone close can seem overwhelming. Break tasks down into smaller steps and don’t be afraid to lean on support services if it helps lighten the load. With time and care, most people are able to work through the grief and manage affairs sensitively.
Conclusion
Dealing with the death of a loved one is difficult, but notify government departments, organising finances, arranging the funeral, distributing assets and cancelling memberships are important parts of the process. Seek help from professionals like funeral directors, lawyers and accountants if needed. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and get support from family and friends during this challenging time.