When someone dies it’s difficult to see past the grief and cope with this alongside trying to remember what needs to be documented and reported. To make this easier we will take you through the practicalities that need to happen for safety and for compliance reasons, so you don’t have to worry about remembering it all.
Support when you need it
These tasks can be very hard emotionally, and having support during this time is important for both your mental and physical wellbeing.
If you need practical help or reassurance, H. Parsons Funeral Directors (4228 9622) are here to support you and guide you through the next steps at any time.
If you do not have family or friends available to support you, there are counselling services you can reach out to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A good place to start is with your family GP, who can provide support and refer you to appropriate services.
You may also choose to contact:
- Lifeline Australia — 131 114
- Beyond Blue — 1300 224 636
These organisations provide confidential support and are available at any time. You are not expected to manage this alone.
Immediate Steps After a Death
Step 1: Official Notification of Death
When a person dies, the death must be formally confirmed and recorded. The process for official notification depends on where the death occurs and whether it was expected.
- If the death occurs in a hospital, aged care facility, or while the person is under medical care, staff will usually manage the initial steps and arrange for a medical practitioner to certify the death.
- If the death occurs at home and was expected, a registered medical practitioner or palliative care provider should be contacted to certify the death.
- If the death is unexpected or unexplained, police must be contacted, they will determine if the coroner needs to be involved.
Official notification is a legal requirement and must occur before any funeral arrangements can be made.
Step 2: Establish Your Role
After a person dies, it is important to clarify who has authority to act on their behalf during the period before their Estate is settled.
The role of the Next of Kin
The Next of Kin plays a key role following a death. This role applies in the period immediately after death and prior to Estate administration.
It is important to:
- Confirm whether you are the deceased person’s Next of Kin
- Ensure you can provide documentation where required
- Understand the responsibilities associated with this role
In many situations, only the Next of Kin is able to formally notify organisations that a death has occurred. This may include government departments, financial institutions, and service providers.
Next of Kin vs Executor of a Will
The role of Next of Kin is separate from the role of Executor of a Will.
- The Next of Kin is responsible for decisions and notifications immediately after death.
- The Executor is a person named in the Will to administer the Estate and manage matters such as assets and liabilities.
The same person may hold both roles, but this is not always the case. Funeral arrangements and official notifications are commonly managed before the Executor begins formal Estate administration.
Step 3: Medical and Donation Considerations
Organ Donation
If the deceased has registered as an organ donor, this information is managed by medical professionals. Organ donation decisions are time‑sensitive and will be discussed with family members by the relevant health authorities. Consent from the Next of Kin is still required
If you are unsure whether organ donation has been registered, medical staff can provide guidance and explain the process.
Organ donation occurs separately from funeral arrangements and does not prevent families from proceeding with their chosen service.
Step 4: Check for pre‑arranged funeral plans
As part of understanding your role, check whether the deceased made any pre‑arrangements for their funeral.
This may include:
- A funeral bond
- Funeral insurance
- Prepaid or pre‑planned funeral arrangements
These plans often identify:
- The chosen funeral director
- Any preferences for burial or cremation
- Specific wishes for the service
If pre‑arrangements are in place, this information can help guide next steps and ensure the deceased’s wishes are followed. A funeral director can assist you in confirming whether any pre‑arrangements exist and explain how they apply.
Step 5: Bring your loved one into care
Once a death has occurred, arrangements can be made to bring your loved one into our professional care. At H Parsons our team look after your loved one throughout the entire journey and they are cared for by an experienced mortuary team, led by qualified professionals, and treated with dignity and respect at all times.
If you are unsure who to contact or what to do at this stage, our team can guide you through the next steps. That is why we are available 24/7 when you need us.
Step 6: Arrange an appointment with a funeral director
Unless you ask us to do otherwise, a member of our team will usually contact you the morning after your loved one has been brought into care. You are also welcome to contact us sooner if you prefer.
Understanding Professional Support
The Role of a Funeral Director
A funeral director may assist with:
A funeral director provides practical and administrative support following a death. Their role is to guide families through the required steps and manage the necessary arrangements.
- Bringing the deceased into care
- Coordinating legal documentation
- Planning burial or cremation arrangements
- Liaising with cemeteries, crematoria and service providers
- Supporting families through funeral planning decisions
Engaging a funeral director can help reduce the administrative burden during this time
Step 7: During the arrangement meeting
An arrangement appointment is typically held 24 to 48 hours later, although you can take more time if needed.
Before the appointment, you may wish to think about:
- Burial or cremation
- The type of service you would like
- Where the service might be held
- Who will be responsible for making decisions (the Applicant
An Arrangement meetings usually take around two hours. During this time, your funeral director will:
- Collect information required to register the death
- Complete paperwork on your behalf
- Discuss your wishes for the funeral service
- Make bookings with any required service providers
This allows you to focus on honouring your loved one, rather than managing administrative tasks.
What to bring to the appointment
If available, you may bring:
- Clothing for your loved one
- Items to be placed with them, such as letters or photos
- Identification for the nominated Applicant
- Birth or marriage certificates if you have them
If documents are missing, do not worry. Your funeral director can still assist. You do not have to do everything at once
Many decisions can be made gradually. Your funeral director will guide you step by step, explaining what is required now and what can wait.
What Happens Next
Once the immediate steps have been completed, attention now turns to planning the funeral and managing practical matters such as documentation and certificates.
While some decisions need to be made within certain timeframes, many arrangements can be discussed at your own pace with clear guidance.
COMPANIES TO NOTIFY
There are several companies that require notification when a person dies. These are usually not urgent, although ongoing costs may be incurred if there is a delay in notifying some organisations. The list below is a starting point for who may need to be notified:
- Landlord
- Bank
- Telephone
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Internet)
- Insurances (Home and Car as well any personal or health insurances)
- Additional Health Service Providers
- Clubs & Associations
- Online Profiles
- Centrelink & Other Government Departments
- Post Office
The Australian Death Notification Service allows you to notify multiple organisations online that someone has died so their accounts can be closed or transferred. It can take around 12 months for an estate to be finalised or longer, if it’s complex or contested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when someone dies?
The first step depends on where the death occurs. If the person is under medical care, staff will guide you. If the death is unexpected, police must be contacted.
Who is responsible for notifying organisations of a death?
In many cases, this responsibility sits with the Next of Kin. This may include notifying government departments, financial institutions, and service providers.
Is the Next of Kin the same as the Executor of a Will?
No. The Next of Kin manages immediate responsibilities after death, while the Executor administers the Estate according to the Will.
Do I need to arrange everything straight away?
No. While some steps are time‑sensitive, many decisions can be made with guidance and at an appropriate pace.
What if the deceased had a funeral bond or insurance?
These arrangements should be identified early, as they often specify the chosen funeral director and outline the deceased’s wishes and funding for the funeral.
Can a funeral director explain what paperwork is required?
Yes. Funeral directors routinely assist with documentation and can explain what is required at each stage.
CONTACT US FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE
If you would like clear guidance on the next steps or assistance arranging a funeral, the H Parsons team can provide practical information and support.
Here are some other articles that might help:
What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
