What Happens After a Funeral?
A Practical Guide to Explain What to do to After a Funeral is Over.
Once the funeral has taken place, there are still a number of practical matters to deal with. Some of these can be completed straight away, while others may take place over the following weeks or months. If you're responsible for managing someone's affairs, it can be difficult to know where to start.
​
This guide explains some of the common tasks people deal with after a funeral and where to find the right information. If you've arranged a funeral with our team at Clive Pugh Funeral Directors and you're unsure about any part of the process, we're always happy to offer practical advice.
Firstly: Take Your Time
Although there are some legal and financial matters that need attention, there is usually no need to try and deal with everything immediately.
​​
Many organisations understand that these matters take time and have dedicated bereavement teams to help. Working through one task at a time is often the simplest approach.
Use the 'Tell Us Once' Service
If the person who has died was eligible, you may be able to use the Government's Tell Us Once service.
​
https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/organisations-you-need-to-contact-and-tell-us-once
This service allows you to notify several government departments at the same time, rather than contacting each organisation individually. Depending on the circumstances, Tell Us Once can notify organisations such as:
-
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
-
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
-
The Passport Office
-
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
-
Your local council
​
The registrar will let you know if this service is available and explain how to use it.
Contacting Banks, Insurance Companies & Utility Providers
After a death, you'll usually need to contact organisations that held accounts or services in the person's name. This may include:
​
-
Banks and building societies.
-
Credit card providers.
-
Mortgage companies.
-
Insurance providers.
-
Utility companies.
-
Broadband and telephone providers.
-
Pension providers.
​
Most organisations have dedicated bereavement teams who will explain what information they need and what happens next. It's often helpful to have several certified copies of the death certificate, as different organisations may request to see one.
Returning Official Documents
Some official documents may need to be cancelled or returned after a death. These can include:
-
A UK passport.
-
A driving licence.
-
Blue Badge parking permits.
-
Bus passes or concessionary travel cards.
​
The organisation responsible will explain whether the document needs to be returned or cancelled. Using the Tell Us Once service may automatically notify some government departments, reducing the number of organisations you need to contact yourself.
Dealing with the Estate
If the person who has died left money, property or other assets, someone will usually need to deal with their estate. This may involve:
-
Locating the will.
-
Identifying the executor.
-
Contacting financial organisations.
-
Applying for probate where necessary.
-
Distributing the estate according to the will or the law.
​
Every estate is different. Some can be dealt with relatively quickly, while others may take longer depending on their complexity. If you need legal or financial advice, a solicitor or probate specialist will be able to guide you through the process.
Memorials and Lasting Tributes
Many families choose to think about memorials once the funeral has taken place.
This may include:
-
Headstones or memorial plaques.
-
Additional inscriptions.
-
Memorial jewellery.
-
Charitable donations in memory of the person who has died.
​
There is usually no need to make these decisions immediately. Many families prefer to wait until they feel ready before considering permanent memorials. If you have any questions about memorial options, we're happy to point you in the right direction.
Collecting Ashes
If a cremation has taken place, the crematorium will advise when the ashes are ready to be collected. Some families choose to collect them straight away, while others prefer to leave them with the crematorium for a short period before making a decision.
​
There is no single right approach. Ashes can often be kept, buried, interred or scattered at a later date, depending on your wishes and any guidance provided by the crematorium. If you're unsure about the options available, we'll be happy to explain them.
Thanking Those Who Offered Support
Following the funeral, many families choose to thank those who attended the service, sent flowers or made charitable donations. There is no set way to do this.
Some people send thank you cards or letters, while others choose to thank people personally or through a notice in the local paper. It's entirely a personal decision, and there's no expectation that it needs to be done immediately.
Support After the Funeral
Although the practical arrangements may have been completed, questions can still arise after the funeral. You may need advice about memorials, paperwork, or simply want to ask about something you forgot to discuss beforehand.
​
Here at Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we're always happy to answer your questions and offer practical guidance where we can. If you need specialist legal, financial or bereavement support, we'll do our best to point you towards the appropriate organisation.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after the funeral?
Many people begin by notifying banks, insurers and other organisations of the death if they haven't already done so. If the Tell Us Once service was available, this may have already taken care of several government departments.
How long does probate take?
The timescale varies depending on the estate. Some estates can be dealt with within a few months, while more complex cases may take considerably longer.
When can ashes be collected?
The crematorium will let you know when the ashes are available. The exact timescale can vary, so it's best to check with the crematorium or your funeral director.
Do I need multiple copies of the death certificate?
Many organisations require an official copy before they can deal with accounts or services. Having several certified copies can make the process more straightforward.
Can I still contact my funeral director after the funeral?
Yes. If you have any questions after the funeral, we're always happy to help where we can or point you towards the right organisation if specialist advice is needed.