Things to cancel when someone dies

If you're responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in the deceased's Will as the executor, which involves managing their estate, including assets, finances, and property, you'll need to adhere to specific protocols depending on your location, the estate's value, and your relationship with the deceased. These protocols determine whether probate is necessary and who inherits in the absence of a Will, known as rules of intestacy.

To close a bank account following a death, you'll typically follow these steps:

1. Register the death officially.

2. Inform relevant organizations that may be impacted.

3. Notify the bank of the situation.

4. Provide the required documentation.

While a grant of probate is usually required to manage a loved one's financial affairs formally, many banks permit withdrawals to cover immediate estate expenses such as inheritance tax, probate fees, and funeral costs. For further guidance, refer to resources on wills and probate.

Upon someone's passing, any debts they accrued are typically settled from their estate, consisting of their assets and funds. If the estate lacks sufficient resources, debts are settled in a prioritized manner until the assets are exhausted. Generally, surviving relatives aren't held responsible for clearing outstanding debts.

Regarding a mortgage, if you jointly owned the home and the estate lacks funds elsewhere, selling the property might become necessary. Without life insurance, managing monthly mortgage payments alone could prove challenging, necessitating careful consideration of available options.

The fate of joint accounts following the passing of one account holder is a common concern for individuals who have lost a spouse or civil partner. While coping with the loss of a loved one is challenging, it's essential to address the management of joint bank accounts promptly.

Initially, as a joint owner, you must notify the bank of the death and furnish a death certificate to gain access to the bank account(s). This process facilitates the transfer of any joint current or savings accounts into your sole name. Typically, any debit card issued in the deceased's name, as well as any telephone/online banking or payment arrangements, will be automatically deactivated. However, the account details themselves should remain unchanged.

If "Tell Us Once" services aren't accessible in your locality, after a bereavement, you'll need to reach out to the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) council tax office to report the loss. Here's the information they'll require:

1. Name of the deceased individual

2. Address of their residence

3. Occupancy status of the property

4. Need for a single person discount

5. Names, addresses, and contact information of any executors named in the deceased's will

6. Name and address of a designated solicitor if you prefer the council to liaise directly with them.

If you've experienced the loss of a loved one, here's the process for reporting their passing to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If you're unable to utilize the 'Tell Us Once' service, you'll have to reach out to the following organizations individually:

1. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – to determine if inheritance tax is applicable.

2. National Insurance (NI) Contributions Office.

3. Child Benefit Office – it's crucial to do this within 8 weeks of the individual's passing.

4. Tax Credit Office – this step should be completed within 1 month of the death.

5. DWP Bereavement Service.

For further guidance regarding personal and workplace pensions, you can access the pension contact details. Alternatively, if the deceased individual had an armed forces pension, you'll need to get in touch with Veterans UK.

If 'Tell Us Once' isn't an option, you'll have to inform the DVLA in writing about the death of a driver. If available, include the person's driving licence with your letter, but you don't need to send a death certificate. Your letter to the DVLA should include:

- Your relationship to the deceased

- The date of their passing

- Their name, address, and date of birth

For those in Northern Ireland, the process differs slightly. You'll need to send back the driving licence along with a covering letter explaining the situation and your relation to the deceased to the DVA. If the driving licence is unavailable, provide a letter with the name, address, and date of birth of the deceased, along with your relationship to them. Further details can be found on the nidirect website.

If you're unsure about what to do with a passport belonging to someone who has passed away, the first step is to fill out a form and return it to the Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO). They can provide further guidance on the procedure for returning a deceased person's passport to HMPO.

Redirecting mail for a deceased loved one may become necessary following their passing. To arrange for mail redirection under such circumstances, you'll need to reach out to the Royal Mail. They can provide you with the appropriate form, which you can download and complete. Alternatively, you can visit your local post office, where they can guide you through the process and provide any necessary documents for completion.

When dealing with the aftermath of a loved one's passing, it's important to address any outstanding utility bills by reaching out to the respective companies. You can facilitate the final payment of the deceased's accounts and establish a new payment arrangement to maintain essential services.

The handling of these bills depends on whether the property will remain occupied or become vacant:

If the property will be left unoccupied, it's advisable to locate the relevant meters promptly and record their readings. This step will streamline the process of closing or settling water, electric, and gas bills.

In the case of inheriting or continuing to reside in a shared property with your spouse or civil partner, typically, you'll need to contact the appropriate utility providers to transfer the bills into your name, if they haven't been already.

Note: In many cases, home and contents insurance may become void following the death of the policyholder. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure appropriate insurance coverage is in place for any property owned by the deceased.

In today's digital age, many individuals maintain one or more social media profiles across various online platforms. To learn more about managing these accounts posthumously, explore our comprehensive guide on handling online accounts following a person's passing.

To discontinue a TV license or transfer it into your name, you can complete a contact form on the TV licensing website. When terminating internet, landline, or mobile phone subscriptions, most providers have established policies, requiring you to reach out directly to the respective company.