There is much to do after the loss of a loved one. The process can be taxing and difficult to comprehend so it is important that you look after yourself.
(see "Chapter 2 of How to Cope With Losing a Loved One" for more detailed information)

• Allow yourself to grieve at your own pace 

• Seek support from family and friends 
• Ensure you get enough rest, eat well & exercise

• Avoid making major decisions

The next step after the funeral is to obtain a death certificate. If there was no funeral, the executor will need to register the death. It can take between 2-5 weeks to receive the death certificate.

To register the death you will need the following documents & information:

Late Partner:

• Full name, address and occupation (or former occupation if retired)
• Birth certificate, marriage certificate(s), change of name certificate
• Date of arrival in Australia (if born overseas)
• Names and occupations of parents, including mother’s maiden name
• Names and ages of children (including deceased children)
  

Yourself:

• Certified 100 points identification (if you are registering the death yourself)
  

You, or someone else, will be appointed as the executor of the Will. The executor will need the following documents to administer the Will: 

 Late Partner:

• Banking records
• Credit, charge and store cards
• Taxation records
• Superannuation
• Records of investments

It would be advisable to gather all the above AND following documents in one safe place for easy access:

• Your late partner’s: passport, driver’s licence, credit cards, Centrelink card and any other cards in their name
• Property deeds and titles; if renting, lease agreement
• Insurance policies (house, car, life, and funeral) 
• Stocks, shares, debentures or other assets
• Any bills in your late partner’s name

It would be advisable to arrange for approximately 10 certified copies of the death certificate, Will, late partner’s birth certificate, your marriage certificate and 100 points of ID. They may be required when contacting organisations about your partners death.

The following list of organisations and companies are suggestions on who to contact to cancel or change the details of your late partner’s accounts into your (or the executor’s) name. 

Please take all due care when changing your loved one’s accounts.