The funeral may be over, but there are often still practical matters to deal with in the days, weeks and months that follow. Everyone's circumstances are different, and there is no set timetable for completing these tasks. This guide explains some of the common things you may need to consider after the funeral, helping you work through them at your own pace.
If the death has not yet been registered due to a Coroner's investigation or other circumstances, follow the advice provided by the Coroner or Register Office before continuing with other legal and financial matters.
If you are the executor or administrator, you may need to:
If the estate is complex, consider seeking professional advice.
Some families choose to send thank-you cards or messages to people who attended the funeral, sent flowers, made charitable donations or offered practical support. This is entirely a personal choice, and there is no expectation to do so.
If the person was buried, you may wish to arrange a memorial or headstone. Most cemeteries have rules about when a memorial can be installed, and there may be restrictions on size, materials and wording. If ashes were scattered or interred, you may wish to create a different type of memorial.
If the funeral was a cremation and you have not yet decided what to do with the ashes, there is no need to rush. Some families choose to:
Take time to decide what feels right for you and your family.
There may still be organisations to notify or accounts to close, including:
Keeping a checklist can help you stay organised.
Bereavement affects everyone differently. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no set timeline. Accept support from family, friends or bereavement organisations if you feel it would help. It's okay to take things one step at a time and complete practical tasks when you feel able.
Every estate is different. Some can be completed within a few months, while more complex estates may take considerably longer.
No. Most crematoria will keep ashes for a period of time if arrangements have not yet been made. Ask your chosen crematorium about their policy.
This depends on the cemetery's regulations. Many require a period of time to allow the ground to settle before a permanent memorial is erected.