After someone dies, families often need to deal with banks, pension providers, insurers, solicitors, government departments and property records. This can be difficult at an emotional time, especially when important documents are hard to find.
Keeping the right records together can make it easier to notify organisations, deal with the estate, claim benefits or insurance, and support probate if needed.
Death certificate
The death certificate is one of the most important documents after someone dies. Many organisations will ask to see it before they update records or release information.
It may be needed for:
- banks
- pension providers
- insurance companies
- probate
- property matters
- HMRC
- utility providers
- government departments
It is often useful to order several official copies, especially if more than one organisation needs the document at the same time.
Will
If the person left a will, keep the original safe. The will explains who should deal with the estate and how assets should be distributed.
A will may include:
- executors
- beneficiaries
- funeral wishes
- gifts
- property instructions
- guardianship wishes, if relevant
The original will is usually much more important than a photocopy.
Bank and savings records
Bank and savings records help identify what accounts exist and what money may form part of the estate.
Useful documents include:
- bank statements
- savings statements
- ISA records
- premium bond details
- credit card statements
- loan documents
- mortgage statements
- account closure letters
Older statements can also help trace regular payments and subscriptions.
Pension documents
Pension records are important because pension providers need to be notified and there may be benefits payable to a spouse, partner or beneficiary.
Keep documents such as:
- workplace pension letters
- private pension statements
- state pension correspondence
- pension provider contact details
- annuity documents
- beneficiary nomination forms
- pension sharing documents, if relevant
Providers may ask for the death certificate and proof of identity from the person making a claim.
Insurance policies
Insurance documents may be needed to make a claim or cancel a policy.
This can include:
- life insurance
- home insurance
- car insurance
- travel insurance
- health insurance
- funeral plan
- income protection
- pet insurance
Keep policy numbers, provider contact details and claim forms together.
Property documents
If the person owned or rented a home, property records may be needed.
Useful documents include:
- title deeds or Land Registry records
- mortgage documents
- lease documents
- tenancy agreement
- buildings insurance
- utility bills
- council tax records
- service charge documents
- property valuation
These can help with probate, sale, transfer or tenancy matters.
Tax and HMRC records
Tax records may be needed to finalise the person’s tax affairs or support probate.
Keep:
- HMRC letters
- P60s
- self assessment records
- tax calculations
- pension tax documents
- employment income records
- dividend statements
- rental income records
- capital gains records
If the estate is complex, an accountant or solicitor may need these documents.
Family documents
Family documents may be needed to prove relationships, especially if there is no will or if pensions, insurance or inheritance claims depend on family status.
Useful records include:
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- civil partnership certificate
- divorce document
- adoption certificate
- change of name deed
- children’s birth certificates
These documents can help prove who is entitled to act or receive benefits.
Identity documents for family members
Executors, administrators or next of kin may need to prove their own identity.
They may be asked for:
- passport
- driving licence
- proof of address
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate, if relationship needs proving
- bank details for payments
Name differences should be supported with marriage certificates, deed poll documents or other evidence.
Utility and household records
Household accounts may need to be closed, transferred or paid from the estate.
Keep records for:
- gas
- electricity
- water
- broadband
- mobile phone
- council tax
- TV licence
- subscriptions
- care home fees
- home security services
Final bills and account closure letters should be saved.
Common mistakes to avoid
Families often face delays because documents are missing or disorganised.
Common issues include:
- original will cannot be found
- not enough death certificate copies
- pension providers are missed
- insurance policies are overlooked
- bank accounts are not traced
- family relationship documents are missing
- property records are incomplete
- tax records are hard to find
- utility accounts are left open
- name differences are not explained
Final thoughts
After someone dies, the most useful documents often include the death certificate, will, bank records, pension documents, insurance policies, property records, tax papers and family certificates.
Keeping these records organised can make it easier to deal with banks, pensions, probate, benefits, insurance and household accounts. It can also reduce stress for family members at a difficult time.