What to Do in the First 48 Hours After Losing a Loved One

When someone you love dies, the world does not pause to let you catch your breath. Even in the fog of shock and grief, there are things that need to be done — phone calls to make, decisions to take, paperwork to begin. It is an overwhelming time, and nobody should have to face it without a clear idea of what comes next.

This guide walks you through the practical steps of the first 48 hours after a bereavement, one at a time. You do not have to do everything at once, and you do not have to do any of it alone.

If the Death Happens at Home

If your loved one dies at home and it was expected — for example, under hospice or palliative care — contact their GP or the out-of-hours medical service. A doctor will need to confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). There is no need to call 999 if the death was anticipated and the person was under medical care.

If the death is sudden or unexpected, call 999 immediately. The police may attend, which can feel distressing, but this is standard procedure for any unexplained death and does not imply suspicion. A post-mortem examination may be required before a death certificate can be issued.

If the Death Happens in Hospital or a Care Home

The staff will guide you through the immediate process. They will usually confirm the death, and a doctor will complete the MCCD. You can normally spend time with your loved one before they are moved. Ask the staff about collecting personal belongings — there is no rush, and most places will hold them safely for you.

Register the Death

In Scotland, the death must be registered with the local registrar within eight days. In England and Wales, you have five days. You will need to bring the MCCD (issued by the doctor), the deceased’s birth certificate if available, and their NHS medical card if you have it.

The registrar will issue you several important documents: a Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14 in Scotland), which the funeral director will need, and certified copies of the death certificate, which banks, insurers, solicitors, and other institutions will require. It is worth ordering several certified copies at this stage to avoid delays later — four or five is a sensible number.

Contact a Funeral Director

You do not have to arrange the funeral immediately, but getting in touch with a funeral director early can relieve a great deal of pressure. They will collect your loved one’s body, help you understand your options, and guide you through the decisions ahead.

If you are unsure where to start, ask friends or family for recommendations, or contact your local council for a list of registered funeral directors. Our guide on how to arrange a funeral covers the full process in detail, including what to expect at each stage and the choices you will need to make.

Tell the People Who Need to Know

Start with the inner circle — immediate family and the closest friends — and work outward. In the very early hours, a single trusted person can be invaluable here: someone who can make calls on your behalf, relay information, and act as a point of contact so you are not fielding dozens of conversations at once.

Beyond the personal circle, there are practical notifications to make over the coming days: the deceased’s employer, their bank and building society, utility providers, the local council (for council tax), the DVLA, HM Revenue & Customs, and any pension or insurance providers. The government’s Tell Us Once service (available in most areas of the UK) allows you to report a death to multiple government departments in a single step, which can save considerable time and stress.

Secure the Home and Belongings

If your loved one lived alone, make sure their home is secure. Lock up, check that appliances are turned off, and redirect post if necessary. Let a trusted neighbour know what has happened.

Do not rush to clear the house. There is no legal obligation to empty a property quickly, and many families find that returning to sort belongings weeks or even months later, when the initial shock has softened, feels much more manageable.

Locate Important Documents

Over the next day or two, try to gather key documents: the will, bank statements, insurance policies, pension details, and any pre-paid funeral plans. If there is a will, contact the named executor. If there is no will, the rules of intestacy will determine how the estate is handled — a solicitor can advise on this.

If your loved one had a pre-paid funeral plan, contact the provider as soon as possible, as this will affect the arrangements you make with the funeral director.

Look After Yourself

This is the step that most people skip, and it is one of the most important. In the first 48 hours, your body is running on adrenaline. You may not feel hungry, but try to eat something. You may not feel tired, but try to rest. Accept help when it is offered — a cup of tea, a meal dropped at the door, someone to sit with you while you make calls.

Grief is not just emotional; it affects the body too. Headaches, nausea, tightness in the chest, and difficulty concentrating are all normal responses to acute loss. Be gentle with yourself. The administrative tasks will get done; they do not all have to be done today.

When You Are Ready to Think About a Memorial

In the first 48 hours, a memorial may be the furthest thing from your mind — and that is completely fine. But when the time feels right, having a permanent place to gather and share memories can become a source of real comfort.

Many families find that creating an online memorial early on gives distant relatives and friends a space to leave messages, share photos, and connect with one another — even before the funeral takes place. If you would like to explore this, our guide on how to create a digital memorial explains the process, and writing a meaningful obituary can help you find the right words.

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With MyEpitaph, you can create a lasting online memorial where loved ones near and far can share tributes, photographs, and memories — a space that grows richer with every contribution. When you are ready, we are here to help.

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For a comprehensive overview of everything covered here and more, see our complete guide to digital memorials.