What to Do When Someone Dies in Australia

When someone dies, it can be an overwhelming and emotional time, especially when you’re unsure what to do next. In Australia, there are important legal and practical steps that need to be taken immediately following a death.

1. Confirm the Death The first step is to have the death officially confirmed. If the person dies in a hospital or aged care facility, the staff will handle this. If they pass away at home, you’ll need to call a doctor or ambulance. A doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death if the death was expected.

2. Engage a Funeral Director Once the death is certified, you’ll need to contact a licensed funeral director. They will help transport the body, arrange for registration of the death, and plan the funeral service according to your wishes. A directory of registered funeral providers can be found via Funeral Directors Association of Australia or AFDA.

3. Register the Death The funeral director usually registers the death with the state or territory’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. This is necessary for the issuance of a death certificate. Here are links to each state’s registry:

• VIC

• NSW

• QLD

• SA

• WA

• TAS

• NT

• ACT
  

4. Notify Relevant Organisations

Start informing relevant organisations, such as:

• Banks and financial institutions

• Centrelink (use the Bereavement Payment service)

• Superannuation funds

• Insurance providers

• Utility companies

• Land Titles Office, if property is owned
  

You can use the Australian Death Notification Service to notify multiple organisations in one go.

5. Manage the Estate If the deceased left a will, the executor will need to apply for probate. If there is no will, someone (usually next of kin) must apply for letters of administration. These processes grant the legal authority to manage and distribute the deceased’s estate. Visit your state’s Supreme Court website for probate application instructions.

6. Consider Practical Help Services like MyDeceased.com.au offer all-in-one property clearance, item valuation, and preparation for sale. This can be especially helpful when dealing with grief and logistical challenges.

7. Look After Yourself Don't forget to take care of your mental and emotional wellbeing. Grief counselling and support are available via services like:

• GriefLine

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
  

Losing a loved one is never easy, but knowing what steps to take can help make a difficult time a little more manageable.