What to do after someone dies

Who to tell

If a person dies at home and the death was expected, you don’t have to contact anyone immediately unless you want to. If the death was not expected, call 000.

You will need to notify the person's doctor or palliative care service within 48 hours of death so that a cause of death certificate can be organised.

If the death occurs in a hospital or at a care facility, let the healthcare team know and they will start making arrangements for you.

When you're ready, contact close family members and friends.

If the person had a will, contact the executor.

Funeral arrangements

Contact a funeral home to begin making arrangements for the funeral or memorial service.

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 funeral assistance.

Banks and other 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.

Employer

If the person was employed at the time of death, let them know about the person's passing.

Property and dependents

Ensure the person's home and belongings are secure and make arrangements for any dependents and pets.

Important documents

Find the person's:

• will
• birth certificate
• marriage certificate
• any insurance policies or documents.

A death certificate will be needed. In Queensland, the funeral director will usually register the death on your behalf to start this process.

Estate and probate

The deceased's estate, including probate, will be managed by the executor named in the will. Probate can take several months or even years. A lawyer may be needed for assistance with this process. The death certificate will be necessary during this process.

Managing Affairs After a Death can help those handling the affairs of someone who has passed away.

Support

Grieving is a natural process, and it's important to seek support from friends, family, or professional counsellors. There are also bereavement payments and support services available through Services Australia.

Grief counselling

There are many organisations and counselling services that can help you understand and cope with grief and loss. Get help with grief counselling and support.

Veterans

Department of Veteran Affairs information about financial assistance, funeral benefits, counselling and commemoration for veterans.

Autopsy

In some circumstances the Coroner may be required to undertake an autopsy to establish the cause of death. The doctor will call the police, who will then contact the Coroner’s Office to arrange 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.