If the value of assets in the sole name of the deceased is over £5,000 after the funeral bill has been paid, it is possible that probate will be needed.
As part of the probate process, all the asset and liability holders will automatically be written to informing them about the deceased and so you do not need to worry about informing them all.
However, if the assets can be released without probate, you should call them or produce a standard letter to send out, including the reference or account number.
The following organisations, where applicable, should be contacted as soon as possible.
Informing various organisations
Royal Mail for mail redirection
Employer and trade union
Bank and building society current and savings accounts
Mortgage company
Premium bonds, National Savings and other investments such as shares or ISAs
Credit and store cards
Companies with whom insurance policies are held
Council tax office
Pensions and Benefits Agencies if applicable
(failure to notify these promptly may lead to inadvertent overpayment and a need to refund this at a later stage)
Landlord
Electricity, gas and water companies
Telephone company
TV licensing (return of licence and refund)
TV companies, e.g. Sky
DVLA (return of licence and car tax refund)
Passport office (return of passport)
The following people or organisations should then be contacted.
Family doctor, if not already informed
Dentist
Any hospital or medical professional such as chiropodist
Local library (inform and return books)
Book and music clubs (cancel memberships)
Season tickets should be returned so a refund can be made
Local milkman
Gardener/cleaner
Window cleaner
Local newspaper shop if delivered
Membership of social clubs
Page Last Updated : 26/02/08