What to do after someone dies
There are practical things that need to be looked after when someone dies. The following links provide more information about some of the things you will need to think about.
Funerals
A funeral is an important occasion for family and friends to pay tribute to the life of the deceased person, to share grief and commemorate the life lost.
The executor named in the will, or family members, are usually responsible for organising the funeral. Choosing a funeral director can involve either comparing companies or relying on word of mouth. It is the funeral director’s role to help you with many of the legal responsibilities, including the death certificate. A funeral director will also liaise on your behalf with the cemetery or crematorium, clergy or celebrant, and other relevant parties.
Funeral arrangements—read about funeral arrangements, what to consider, and who is responsible for registering a death or applying for a death certificate.
Funeral costs
Burials assistance—if you cannot afford a funeral for a friend or relative who passed away in Queensland, and their assets will not cover their funeral costs, you may be eligible for burials assistance.
Funeral bonds and prepaid funerals—Centrelink information about funeral bonds and prepaid funerals.
Autopsy
A death is investigated by the Coroner if:
- the identity of the person is unknown
- the death was violent or unnatural, such as accidents, falls, suicides or drug overdoses
- the death happened in suspicious circumstances
- a ‘cause of death’ certificate has not been issued and is not likely to be issued
- the death was a healthcare related death
- the death occurred in care
- the death occurred in custody
- the death occurred as a result of police operations.
This investigation may also require that an autopsy be carried out to establish the cause of death. The doctor will call the police, who will then contact the Coroner’s Office to arrange for the autopsy.
If an autopsy or investigation by the Coroner is required, support is available for the family and friends of the person who has died.
Death certificate and registering a death
Every birth, death and marriage has to be registered at the Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Find information about registering a death and applying for a death certificate.
Notifying organisations
The Australian Death Notification Service lets you notify multiple organisations of a death through one simple and secure process, reducing the number of painful conversations.
You can use this checklist of tasks as a helpful reminder of what needs to be done after a funeral.
If the person received assistance from Centrelink you need to call 132 300 or visit a Centrelink service centre. You will need to complete the advice of death form and return it to Centrelink.
Financial issues
Estates—dealing with the assets of someone who has passed away including probate and being the executor of someone’s will.
Bereavement payment and support—an overview of Centrelink payments, counselling and financial services available to help people adjust to life after someone close to them has died.
Veterans
Department of Veteran Affairs information about financial assistance, funeral benefits, counselling and commemoration for veterans.
Organ and tissue donation
After you die, organs and tissues can be removed from your body and transplanted into another living person to give them life or to improve their quality of life. Which organs and tissues you are able to donate depends on many factors such as why you died, your past medical history and where and when you die.
You can ensure your wishes regarding organ and tissue donation are respected by making sure your family, friends or substitute decision-maker(s) are aware of your plan. This can be included in advance care planning.
Learn more about organ and tissue donation.