Knowledge Centre · 11
Estate & practical checklists
After the funeral, there are practical matters to work through. These checklists and the official guidance help you take them one step at a time.
Quick answer
After a death you will usually need to gather important documents, tell banks, pensions, utilities and government departments, and sometimes apply for probate. Our free checklists help you work through it step by step, at your own pace.
What happens, step by step
Gather the important documents
Use our 'Important Documents' checklist to bring everything together in one place.
Tell the right people
Banks, pensions, utilities and government departments need to be informed. Our 'Who to Notify' checklist and the official guidance help.
Consider the 'Tell Us Once'-style steps
The official 'Who to tell about a death' guidance explains which organisations to contact.
Seek advice if needed
For probate or complex estates, a solicitor can help. We can point you to local advice.
Resources & official links
nidirect
Who to tell about a death
Government departments, banks and others that need to be informed.
Marie Curie
Checklist: when someone dies
A clear checklist of the things to do after a death.
Need help now?
If someone has died or you are unsure what to do next, David Crymble & Sons Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day. We can guide you step by step — whether the death has happened at home, in hospital, in a care home, or elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I need to notify after a death?
Banks, pensions, insurers, utilities, the council and certain government departments. Our printable checklist and the official 'Who to tell' guidance make this manageable.
What is probate and do I need it?
Probate is the legal right to deal with someone's estate. Whether it is needed depends on the estate. A solicitor can advise.
How do I keep track of everything?
Our free Estate Checklist and Who To Notify forms give you a simple, printable way to work through it at your own pace.
Do I need a solicitor to settle an estate?
Not always — it depends on the estate. For probate or anything complex, a solicitor can help, and we can point you to local advice.
How long does settling an estate take?
It varies widely depending on the estate. Working through it step by step, using the checklists below, makes it more manageable.
Related guides
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Reviewed by: David Crymble & Sons
Sources: official guidance from NI Direct, HSC NI, MoneyHelper, Marie Curie, Cruse and the relevant councils, where applicable.
This page is for general guidance only. Requirements can change, so please check with the relevant official organisation or contact David Crymble & Sons for help.