When Someone Dies

[Ripley58]

Someone close to me is near to death and I will be responsible for dealing with their affairs after death, arranging a funeral, selling off their property etc . Unfortunately, I have no idea what to do and feel too embarrassed to ask my friend what I need to do when she dies. Is their a government guide or book that is available to help people cope with the practical aftermath of death? I fear I will just fall apart as she has always been the stronger friend who is very capable and practical.

[Tichfield]

This book is very good.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-When-Someone-Dies -Essential/dp/1844900282/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s= books&qid=1204390798&sr=1-1

[skyep]

Hi ripley - I have just put in to www.ask.co.uk ' What to do when someone dies ' It has come up with some good sites xxx

[shaneystar2]

This is a helpful link ..you can click on the relevant bits
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/RightsAndResponsib ilities/Death/WhatToDoAfterADeath/DG_10029808

Sorry to hear you are in this sad situation .The undertakers will do all the funeral arrangements so that is one less thing for you to worry over .There is also a bereavement service you can contact for emotional and practical help.

http://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/
Take care ...

[Jugglering]

I am sorry to hear of your news. You may find this site quite useful - lots of practical advice. I presume your friend has made a will and made you the executor of it ?

http://www.desktoplawyer.co.uk/dt/browse/law/l awguide/dealing-with-death/dealing-with-death/ S75958X/

[bednobs]

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2006/d4 9_april06.pdf
this is the pdf version of the government publication

[Robinia]

Sorry to read that Ripley...is your friend in hospital? We were given that booklet (what to do when someone dies) & I'm sure it was the hospital receptionist.

[shn]

Dear friend,
I think your local council can help you by giving practical info abt that.
A friend of mine is starting the Good Grief Circle if you need help on the emotional side. Let me know if you are interested...

[mummytait]

Hi Ripley, I'm sorry to hear about your situation, My best friend died from cancer before christmas and I was involved in the winding up of her financial affairs. If your friend has a substantial estate, property, savings, shares of life insurance it might help if they had a will. If they do have a will you can ask a solicitor to wind up the estate for you, apply for probate etc. But you need to know that will be pricey as they charge by the hour and it can be time consuming. I applied for probate and it was fairly easy but I'm quite comfortable with forms. My practical advice would be make lists, keep accurate records of where you are up to with each company that you are dealing with and prioritise yourself in front of the paperwork. Also get a few copies of the death certificate as you might need to send them to different places and photocopy everything before you send it off.
Does your friend know she is dying? mine did and it was incredibly hard to talk about what she wanted when she had died but it would havve helped if we had known practical things like where her will was.

Good luck

[Ripley58]

Many thanks to all of you for your kind and thoughtful answers. I apologise for not replying earlier, but unfortunately I have experienced internet access problems since posting my question. Once again, thank you all.