What to Do When Someone Dies in Australia: A Checklist

If the death was expected, check any arrangements already in place:

• Identify the Next-of-Kin and any pre-death decision-maker.
• Find the Will and identify the executor, or seek advice about an administrator.

Estate responsibilities depend on your state or territory.

In an emergency, call 000. Otherwise, ask the treating team, doctor or relevant authorities what happens next.

• Medical and coronial guidance. Follow professional directions before arranging to move the person. Ask whether the Coroner or a post-mortem is involved.
• Documentation. A medical certificate of cause of death differs from a registered death certificate. If the Coroner is involved, ask whether an interim certificate is available and suitable.
• A death overseas. Seek consular guidance through Smartraveller.
• Donation. Ask the medical team promptly about organ or tissue donation, where relevant.
• Support. Contact trusted people and arrange immediate care for dependants.

Not everything needs doing today. Ask which decisions are urgent. See Services Australia and your state or territory’s Coroner for official guidance.

Share practical tasks with trusted people as you feel able.

• Inform close contacts and arrange care for pets or dependants.
• Secure the home, keys and belongings; check estate authority before distributing anything.
• Cancel appointments and ask about compassionate leave.
• Find the original Will, financial records and funeral wishes.
• Identify who will coordinate arrangements and administer the estate.

Keep a record of calls and decisions; less urgent matters can wait.

Arrangements can reflect the person’s wishes, culture and your family’s budget.

• Agree who will coordinate decisions and which funeral, religious or cultural support is needed.
• Check recorded wishes, prepaid plans or insurance; request written costs.
• Discuss ceremony and burial or cremation options available in your circumstances.
• Ask about financial assistance where relevant, and consider privacy when recording or livestreaming.

Not every option will apply to your family.

The executor or administrator may need to manage property, money, belongings and debts.

• Locate the original Will and identify who has authority. Without a Will, seek advice about administration.
• Check whether probate or letters of administration are needed; requirements vary.
• Safeguard assets and review debts, insurance, banking and superannuation with providers. Not all benefits belong to the estate.
• Seek legal, financial or tax advice, especially if the Will may be challenged.

Check authority before closing accounts, cancelling essential cover or distributing assets. See NSW’s estate guidance or the equivalent for your state or territory.

The person responsible may need to resolve outstanding matters before distributing assets.

• Settle debts and close accounts when appropriate.
• Distribute assets according to the Will and applicable law.
• Finalise tax matters with advice and retain estate records securely.

• Review social media, subscriptions and email accounts using providers’ access procedures; save important photos.
• Ask your GP about grief support, or explore the Critical Info Resource Hub.

An executor is the person (or people) named in a Will to carry out the deceased person’s wishes and look after their estate. It may be a family member, friend, professional or trustee company.

• Locating the original Will and, where needed, applying for probate.
• Protecting assets, paying valid debts and handling tax matters.
• Distributing the estate according to the Will and the law.

If there is no Will, or no executor can act, a court may appoint an administrator. Duties and timeframes vary by state or territory, so seek legal advice where unsure.

Not needing the guide now? The free 3-minute Critical Info Check helps you identify your own planning priorities.

Go beyond this overview with the National Guide: My loved one has died, what do I do now?. Get the $38 digital copy, available to download now.