My parent has died — what do I do next?
First, the practical steps in order: get the medical certificate, register the death within five days, and arrange the funeral. Then, if you're the executor or next of kin, you'll find the will, value the estate, deal with any inheritance tax, and apply for probate where needed. It's a lot — taking it one step at a time makes it manageable.
The steps, in order
The first practical steps
- Obtain the medical certificate of cause of death.
- Register the death within five days (England & Wales) and get several certified copies of the certificate.
- Arrange the funeral — the will may state wishes.
Then the estate
- Find the will and identify the executors. No will? The intestacy rules apply and the next of kin become administrators.
- Value the estate, deal with inheritance tax, and apply for probate if it's needed.
- Collect in the assets, pay debts, then distribute to the beneficiaries.
How ClearLegacy helps
Our free, plain-English guides and the probate calculator walk executors through each step — what probate costs, how long it takes, and what an executor must do. And many people, after dealing with a parent's estate, decide to make their own will so their family is spared the uncertainty.
When his mother dies, Sam registers the death within five days, orders several certified copies, and arranges the funeral. As named executor he then values her estate, finds no inheritance tax is due, and applies for probate — handling it step by step with the guides.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do when a parent dies in the UK?
Get the medical certificate, register the death within five days, and arrange the funeral. Then, as executor or next of kin, find the will, value the estate, deal with inheritance tax, and apply for probate if needed.
Do I need probate when a parent dies?
Often yes, if there's property in their sole name or significant assets institutions won't release without a grant. Small estates or jointly owned assets passing by survivorship may not need it.
- Complete the questionnaireA few guided questions about you, your family and your wishes.
- Review and confirmYou review and confirm your answers before anything is finalised.
- Receive your documentsYour will and supporting paperwork are produced, ready to print.
- Sign correctlyClear instructions on signing and witnessing so the will is legally valid.
- Protect your familyYour wishes are recorded and your loved ones are spared the intestacy default.
Sources
- GOV.UK — What to do when someone dies: step by step
- GOV.UK — Applying for probate
- Citizens Advice — Dealing with the estate of someone who has died
- Reviewed by
- ClearLegacy editorial team
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Next review
- December 2026
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
Dealing with an estate? Start here.
ClearLegacy's free guides and probate calculator help executors handle the estate, step by step.
Probate help for executors